Online Reporter
Don Makanyanga
Zimpapers Sports Hub
ZIMBABWE Cricket have expanded their National Premier League age-group programme after nearly 500 budding players featured in the inaugural season.
NPL Manager and former Chevrons international Ed Rainsford said the league, launched this year for Under-13 boys and Under-15 girls, involved eight clubs across Harare, Bulawayo, Kwekwe and Kadoma.
For the next cycle, the Under-15 boys’ competition grows from 8 to 11 clubs with the addition of Eastern Titans, Westside Cricket Club and Scorpions.
Under-17 boys’ and girls’ competitions will follow in the summer season.
Rainsford described the NPL as the “engine room” for Zimbabwe Cricket’s future.
“The NPL is the engine room of what we are trying to achieve by growing grassroots cricket and giving everybody an opportunity.
“No one is left behind. Find a club, register and play,” he said.
The inaugural season produced early signs of talent. An Under-15 girls’ century was scored, alongside several five-wicket hauls.
Gladiators posted nearly 400 in the Under-13 boys’ final against Takashinga 2, while Takashinga 2 beat Gladiators to win the Under-15 girls’ title at Harare Sports Club.
ZC, who have made it a principle to cater for all facets of the national game, have has also introduced a player-tracking database to monitor hundreds, fifties and five-fors from an early age.
“Those are the returns on investment and the key performance indicators we look at,” added Rainsford.
Beyond competition, ZC are also investing in strengthening clubs through coach development, administrative sup-port and equipment distribution to ensure safe and professional environments for young players.
Clubs must meet strict standards to join: quality facilities, qualified coaches and central player registration.
Rainsford said rebuilding club cricket was essential.
“There is no international cricketer from my era who didn’t come through club cricket.
“We’re rebuilding that culture so club cricket once again becomes the breeding ground for provincial and national cricket,” he said.
He added that playing at venues like Harare Sports Club was inspiring young players.
“You couldn’t believe the smiles and energy of the Under-15 girls when they played here. That’s where the dream starts.
“With competitions now running from Under-13 to senior men’s and women’s NPL, Rainsford said ZC were building a sustainable pathway.
“If we continue building these structures, we could have an NPL that feeds Zimbabwe cricket for generations,” he said.
