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ZIMBABWE’S 2018-19 premier domestic cricket season is set to start on December 1, with four franchises competing in all three formats of the game.

In light of a restructuring exercise based on its new strategic plan, Zimbabwe Cricket (ZC) has reverted to the franchise system, with the Harare Metropolitan and Mashonaland Central provinces being merged to compete as Eagles.

Bulawayo Metropolitan, Matabeleland North and Matabeleland South provinces have been combined to make up the Tuskers franchise, while Midlands and Mashonaland West will compete under the banner of Rhinos banner, with Mountaineers comprising Manicaland, Masvingo and Mashonaland East.

Emerging players from the national academy side Rising Stars that won last season’s one-day championship will be absorbed into the four franchises.

The List A competition, the Pro50 Championship, will get the season underway on December 1, with Eagles hosting Tuskers at Harare Sports Club, while Rhinos will be home to Mountaineers at Kwekwe Sports Club.

Two days later, the Logan Cup will begin with the same teams facing each other at the same venues.

After two rounds of both competitions, the franchises will go for the Christmas break and return to action on January 12.

Mountaineers will host their home matches at Mutare Sports Club, while Tuskers will play at Queens Sports Club.

A Twenty20 tournament scheduled for March will bring the curtain down on the 2018-19 season. — ZimCricket