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Brandon Moyo, [email protected]

IN the annals of history, May last year marked a tumultuous period for Zimbabwe Cricket, a time when the once proud Chevrons were brought to their knees by a string of painful defeats. As Namibia achieved their first-ever series win against a full-fledged International Cricket Council (ICC) member, Zimbabwe found themselves at the epicentre of unwanted records and disappointments.

The ignominy at the hands of Namibia was merely a symptom of the deeper rot that had plagued Zimbabwe Cricket for far too long. The team had plummeted to an all-time low, with its once proud legacy reduced to mere fragments of memory. Cricket enthusiasts across the nation were reeling with despair, fearing that the sport might never regain its former glory.

But the dawn of redemption was on the horizon, and in the face of adversity, Zimbabwe Cricket decided to embark on a transformative journey. They parted ways with their former coach, Lalchand Rajput, and in his place, they summoned a legendary figure — Dave Houghton. With his arrival, a ray of hope pierced through the darkest clouds hanging over Zimbabwe Cricket.

Houghton’s vision breathed new life into the national team, instilling a culture of resilience and determination that had been lost in the wilderness. Crowds flocked back to the stadiums as the Chevrons made a triumphant return, winning their qualification matches for the T20 World Cup in Australia.

The resurgence of Zimbabwe Cricket was not a solitary triumph but a collective effort. Gary Ballance, in a move that embodied the sport’s rebirth, rejoined the ranks of the Zimbabwean team after an alliance with England. His presence in the squad brought a sense of stability and highlighted Zimbabwe’s renewed standing in international cricket.

Under Houghton’s astute leadership, Zimbabwe achieved remarkable milestones. They clinched their first-ever ODI win against Australia Down Under, and their debut appearance in the T20 World Cup Super-12 proved that they were no longer a team to be underestimated. The legendary coach, along with Hamilton Masakadza, remains part of an elite group of Zimbabwean stars who scored centuries on their Test debut.

The reinvigorated spirit of Zimbabwe Cricket even attracted players from other shores. Ben Curran, son of the late Zimbabwean international player and coach Kevin Curran, expressed his openness to represent the Chevrons. Such interest from players beyond Zimbabwe’s borders reflected the newfound stability and allure of the nation’s cricketing landscape.

Today, Zimbabwe Cricket basks in its well-deserved resurrection. Although it may not have returned to its zenith of the ‘90s, the sport is now in a state of renaissance. This renewal is evident not only in the ICC’s trust in Zimbabwe to host major events like the T20 World Cup Qualifier B and the Cricket World Cup Qualifiers but also in the forthcoming hosting of the 2026 Under-19 World Cup and the 2027 Men’s World Cup.

International figures, such as ICC Chairman Greg Barclay and former Zimbabwean cricketer Andy Flower, have acknowledged the country’s remarkable progress. Zimbabwe has become a favoured destination for hosting cricketing tournaments, and the future looks increasingly promising.

“Zimbabwe is a great place to host tournaments, the facilities are good, the weather obviously has played its part, it has been magnificent. We have ICC events here in 2026 and 2027 so the future in terms of bringing cricket to this country is really promising and it can only get better,” said Barclay.

“Before I arrived in Zimbabwe, I would have had a lukewarm response to a question about the future of Zimbabwean cricket. Now that I’m just about to leave, I feel much more positive. It’s been a wonderful feeling for me personally. I have been really proud watching the Zimbabwean team operate as well and amazed by the crowd reactions and the crowd atmosphere,” Flower shared enthusiastically.

In a glorious moment of illumination, floodlights were lit up at Harare Sports Club for the first time, symbolising a bright future for Zimbabwean cricket. The inaugural Zim Cyber City Zim Afro T10 tournament, a 10-over league, has commenced, giving the nation another reason to celebrate its resurgence.

The Chevrons’ phoenix-like rise from the ashes stands as a stirring tale of redemption, one that echoes far beyond the realm of sports. In a world that often grapples with adversity, Zimbabwe’s cricketing journey imparts a powerful message: no matter how dire the circumstances, there is always hope for a triumphant return to glory.
@brandon_malvin