HARARE: Cricket South Africa and Zimbabwe Cricket have agreed to set up a working group to explore ways to improve relations, with CSA committing to support governance and development of the game in the neighbouring country.
Representatives of the two boards met in Harare on Saturday to seal the agreement. Areas of cooperation would include administration, technical support, and “various ICC matters of mutual interest”, a joint release from the two boards issued Monday stated.
“Now that we have our own house in good shape and recognising that we are the strongest cricketing nation on the continent, we feel the time is right for CSA to assist in the development of cricket with our fellow nations on the African continent,” said Chris Nenzani, CSA president, who was part of the delegation.
“Despite our own limits and challenges, there are many areas in which we could be of assistance and we want to start with Zimbabwe cricket,” added Nenzani. “For instance, it is widely acknowledged that CSA has introduced some of the best standards of corporate governance in the world and this is something we can easily share with our neighbours.
“On the playing field, we have Namibia playing in our domestic provincial competitions while Zimbabwean teams participate in all our youth cricket weeks and are currently engaged in a tri-series Under-19 tournament against ourselves and Sri Lanka.”
Tavengwa Mukuhlani, ZC president, added, “CSA can play a leading role to help us to strengthen our game in almost every respect. Particular areas in which CSA’s support and experiences will be invaluable include governance and playing issues.”
South Africa are currently in the top three in all forms of the game. Zimbabwe are tenth in Tests, but find themselves behind the likes of Afghanistan and Scotland in the International Cricket Council rankings for limited-overs sides.
ZC has been plagued by controversy over player payments, poor finances, a bloated administration and rising debt, Wisden India reports. Fans’ unhappiness at the state of things – with players too facing their ire – found loud expression during India’s tour last June. Add to that insufficient fixtures and inadequate game time, and Zimbabwe find themselves in a race to qualify for the 2019 50-over World Cup.
South Africa last visited Zimbabwe for an international fixture in September 2014, seven years after their previous visit. Since then, the teams have only met in a World Cup. Zimbabwe last toured South Africa in 2010.
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