HARARE There was more good news for Zimbabwean cricket last week as the head of the sports control body in the country Peter Chingoka announced plans to return to the elite group of Test-playing nations by 2011.
Following a fairy-tale ride in the just-ended tri-nations series that involved India and Sri Lanka as well as good performances against Pakistan and Australia ahead of last months World Twenty20 Championships in the Caribbean, Zimbabwe Cricket chairman Chingoka revealed last week that the country was targeting a return to Test cricket after next years World Cup.
He said Zimbabwe was ready to return to the Test game due to the positive changes that have taken place since the union implemented the International Cricket Council (ICC)s recommendations on reviving the game in the country.
The changes included improvement of domestic structures and establishment of a new coaching centre. The revamped domestic structure includes a franchise-based Twenty20 tournament.
“We are developing a strong and competitive domestic competition as a result of the ICC task team’s recommendations and we are now looking to make a gradual return to Test cricket sometime after the World Cup in 2011,” said Chingoka.
He has already communicated the decision to ICC president David Morgan and chief executive Haroon Lorgat.
Zimbabwe has not played a Test since 2005 after a rebellion by senior player in protest at political interference in the running of the
game.
The rebellion forced Zimbabwe to voluntarily withdraw from Test cricket while it focused on rebuilding its team.
Post published in: Cricket