Beyond the boundary by James Jones

“I can confirm that Zimbabwe will play provincial cricket in South Africa – and not franchise cricket,” stated Basson. “That means that they’ll participate in the SAA Challenge, playing three-day and one-day games.
“This is good for South African cricket and it’s very beneficial for Zimbabwe Cricket as they have very little first-class cricket. Namibia is an associated team and for them playing in the competition was very good for them.
“Namibia played half of their games in South Africa and the other in Windhoek last season. Zimbabwe will do the same by playing half the time at the provinces and half at their home venues.”
There was a bit of confusion prior to Basson’s announcement after the South African newspaper The Star, ran a story claiming that the Zimbabweans would play in the premier ‘franchise’ competition. This caused a furore after South African side Griquas had fought a lost cause for the rights to own the status of a seventh franchise to be based in Kimberley.
Zimbabwe seemingly being given a “free pass” to become the seventh franchise in South Africa’s professional cricketing ranks raised more than just a few eyebrows. Zimbabwe stalwart Tatenda Taibu will be no stranger to the SAA competition after turning out for Namibia last season. The Namibians have again received an invitation to participate. Namibia and Zimbabwe will join the 12 SA provincial teams in two equally-divided groups in round-robin home and away fixtures of three-day and one-day matches. The leading two teams will play in the semi-finals, with the winners progressing to a final.
It was reported that two of Zimbabwe’s promising players have signed club contracts in New Zealand, thus eliminating any chance of them playing for the national team in the upcoming season. Gavin Ewing will be joined by Dion Ebrahim in New Zealand this month. Ewing will play for Inglewood Cricket Club in the Taranaki District Cricket League.
Zimbabwe take on a Sri Lanka A outfit in the first of five matches starting this weekend. Zimbabwe will play two Four-day and the One-day fixtures.
Tour Fixtures:
14-17 October – Harare Sports Club
20-24 October – Queens Sports Club, Bulawayo
26 October – Queens Sports Club, Bulawayo
27 October – Harare Sports Club
30 October – Harare Sports Club