Story by Mthokozisi Dube
PREPARATIONS to host the ICCT20 Cricket World Cup qualifiers are gathering pace as the local organising committee expects a successful tournament.
The ICCT20 World Cup Qualifiers run from the 18th of June to the 9th of July.
The local organising committee has revealed that preparations are now at an advanced stage for the ten-team tournament in Bulawayo and Harare.
Local Organising Committee Manager, Nicholas Nsingo said they are ready to host the tournament.
“I feel honoured to be part of the organising committee as manager. Currently, we are almost 90 percent in terms of completion of the facilities which are required for the tournament. Everything has gone smoothly. We have put up a new camera stand at queens sports club, we are putting new run-up poles. The painting of the facility is ongoing and we are hopeful we will be through by the end of next week,” he said.
Local Organising Committee member Tafadzwa Kwesu took the opportunity to rally fans behind the host team in a tournament which will see free entrance up to the super six stages, “We are working tirelessly to make sure our facilities are looking good and up to standard. we are currently sprucing up the facilities and spectator stands. We have changed all materials which were there. I urge cricket lovers to come to queens sports club and enjoy the games.”
The visiting teams will be using facilities from cricket academies and in the process inspire budding cricketers
“This is a wonderful opportunity for us to have the ICCT20 world cup qualifiers coming to Bulawayo and Harare. Hats off to the Zimbabwe Cricket chairman Mr Tavengwa Mukuhlani for bringing the prestigious event to the country. We have seen a rise in the game under their administration. As academies, we are proud to host these teams for their practice sessions on our grounds,” said Cricket of Excellence Academy President, Joseph Rego.
Five countries Sri Lanka, Ireland, Scotland, Oman and the United Arab Emirates make up group B and will be based in Bulawayo while West Indies, Netherlands, Nepal and the USA, are expected to arrive in Zimbabwe on the 5th of June and play a practice match with Tuskers in Bulawayo, make group A and will be based in Harare.
Meanwhile, renowned former cricket player and coach Heath Streak is recovering in South Africa from cancer.
