Pakistan’s presence will be felt in the upcoming Zim Afro T10 League as seven cricketers from the country have been confirmed to participate in the tournament. The teams’ lineups were finalized after a draft held on Monday, with each team selecting a minimum of 16 players, including at least six Zimbabweans.
The inaugural edition of the Zim Afro T10 League will feature five teams: Harare Hurricanes, Joburg Buffaloes, Durban Qalandars, Bulawayo Braves, and Cape Town Samp Army. The action-packed event is scheduled to take place in Harare from July 20 to July 29.
Among the participating teams, Durban Qalandars will include Asif Ali, Mohammed Amir, Mirza Tahir Baig, and Tayyab Abbas. Shahnawaz Dahani will represent the Harare Hurricanes, while Usman Shinwari and Mohammad Hafeez will be part of the Johannesburg Buffaloes.
This tournament marks a significant milestone for Zimbabwe cricket, as it is the first time a franchise cricket tournament will be integrated into the country’s cricketing landscape. Furthermore, each team will have an additional player added to their squad in the coming days, selected from Zimbabwe’s Emerging Player Programme. This program aims to provide young cricketers with a platform to showcase their talent and make their mark on the big stage.
Expressing his excitement, Zimbabwe Cricket Managing Director Givemore Makoni stated, “This is a historic day for Zimbabwean cricket, and we can’t wait to open up the doors for such talented cricketers. Each of the five squads looks extremely strong, and I am sure the cricket on display will be of the highest order. Additionally, the Zim Afro T10 League will give young cricketers a boost as they rub shoulders with some of the best players in the world.”
With the inclusion of Pakistani cricketers and the promising talent from Zimbabwe, the Zim Afro T10 League promises to deliver thrilling cricketing action and provide a platform for both established and emerging players to showcase their skills on a global stage.
