The Sunday News
IN what could be seen as a move to bridge the gap between amateur cricket and first class cricket, Zimbabwe Cricket have introduced a premier league for the top clubs in the country.
Eight clubs are set to compete in the premier league which is a 40-over competition, over a three-month period, and it (league) is provisionally set to start at the end of September.
In response to questions from The Sunday News, ZC media and communications manager Lovemore Banda, said three clubs from Harare, two from Bulawayo, one each from Kwewke, Masvingo and Mutare, would take part in the league.
Clubs will be provided with coloured clothing to use during the tournament where white balls are going to be utilised.
It is understood that the eight clubs will play against each other on a home and away basis with the top club at the end of the series declared champions.
Asked whether any sponsors have been secured for the league, Banda said they were in talks with potential financial backers adding that winners of the competition would get prize money.
Bulawayo Metropolitan Cricket Association First League winners Emakhandeni and runners-up Bulawayo Athletic Club are expected to represent the metropolitan province. The two clubs have been playing friendly matches against each other as well as other clubs in the city as a way of fine tuning for the premier league.
Over the years, Bulawayo clubs have found the going tough against those from other cities and they would be hoping to put up a better show this time around.
Last season, ZC did not run a national club competition as had been the norm in previous years.
The planned cricket premier league is sure to give players enough time to prepare themselves for the start of the first class season whose date has not yet been set by ZC.
In the past few seasons, local cricketers have struggled to assert themselves during the first class season with most of the Logan Cup matches not lasting the full four days.
