The Sunday News
Mehluli Sibanda, Senior Sports Reporter
FAST bowler, Blessing Muzarabani is in line to make a return to international cricket when Zimbabwe tour Pakistan for a limited overs series next month, two years after he quit representing the country for a deal in England.
Muzarabani put on hold his international career in August 2018 to take up a Kolpak contract with English county side, Northamptonshire.
Under the Kolpak deal, the lanky fast bowler could not represent his country.
The 23-year-old gave hints that he was willing to make an international return since his Kolpak deal would be nullified with Britain exiting the European Union.
Zimbabwe Cricket acting managing director, Givemore Makoni confirmed they have been in discussions with “Mabhunu” as the bowler is known in cricket circles, with the talks now close to conclusion.
“We are in talks with Blessing Muzarabani, talks are at an advanced stage, nothing has been finalised as yet,’’ Makoni said.
Muzarabani, who is still in England appears in a camping squad of 26 that starts preparing for the tour of Pakistan on Tuesday in Harare.
It was against Pakistan that Muzarabani played his last ODI in July 2018.
The Government, through the Sports and Recreation Commission is expected to make a pronouncement on Zimbabwe’s tour of Pakistan, with high chances that the trip will be given the green light.
An announcement as early as tomorrow should be made, with the Zimbabwean team expected to land in the Asian country on 20 October for three One Day Internationals and same number of Twenty20 Internationals.
SRC director-general, Prince Mupazviriho yesterday said they had given recommendation to the Minister of Youth, Sport, Arts and Recreation, Kirsty Coventry that the tour should go ahead.
“With what they (ZC) have submitted to us, we think that its in line with our protocols, we have recommended that they should be given approval. Other countries are already playing so it makes sense for them to also play. We will communicate with ZC as per their request,’’ Mupazviriho said.
Coach Lalchand Rajput, who has been in India with his family is now expected to travel to Zimbabwe for the camp ahead of the trip to Pakistan.
Training squad: Faraz Akram, Brian Chari, Sean Williams, Wesley Madhevere, Timycen Maruma, Milton Shumba, Ryan Burl, Sikander Raza, Regis Chakabva, Chamunorwa Chibhabha, Elton Chigumbura, Craig Ervine, Kyle Jarvis, Tinashe Kamunhukamwe, Peter Moor, Brendon Taylor, Luke Jongwe, Wellington Masakadza, Richmond Mutumbami, Richard Ngarava, Brandon Mavuta, Carl Mumba, Tendai Chisoro, Tendai Chatara, Donald Tiripano, Blessing Muzarabani
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