Story by Reynald Ngwarati
ZIMBABWE Cricket is optimistic of producing world- class players after engaging in a year-long partnership with Pakistan-based franchise, Lahore Qalandars.
Eight emerging Zimbabwean cricketers, who have been selected by Lahore Qalandars scouts, are set to undergo a four month training stint at Lahore Qalandars in Pakistan.
“If you follow what has been happening for the past 10 days or so or even 15 days or so, you will note that we had a find the talent that was being run by Lahore Qalandars. They went around the country they were in Bulawayo, in Kwekwe and then they finished at Takashinga, where they picked eight talented guys that are going to be attached at Lahore Qalandars in Pakistan,” said Zimbabwe Cricket – Chairman, Tavengwa Mukuhlani.
The partnership will also see Lahore Qalandars sending five fast bowlers to Zimbabwe’s domestic cricket league.
“These guys are genuine quick bowlers who bowl around 140km per hour. If you follow our cricket you know that we lack that part of the game in terms of express pace and those that know cricket express pace is usually manufactured and nurtured in Pakistan,” he added.
Lahore Qalandars believe that the partnership will help in the grooming of world class players from Zimbabwe.
“I think it’s an honor and privilege for us to support Zimbabwe Cricket family. And we’ve shown the world the other side of cricket that if you can develop the grassroots level rather than the sport system then you can produce guys like Fakar Zaman, Harry Brooke the list goes on,” noted Lahore Qalandars – CEO, Atif Rana.
The partnership comes after Zimbabwe missed out on a ticket to the ICC 2023 World Cup that is set for India in October.
