Excitement is building up as the highly anticipated Zim Afro T10 League approaches, with the confirmation of the five squads set to compete in the inaugural edition. Beginning on July 20, Harare will play host to some of the finest white-ball cricketers who will showcase their skills in a series of fiercely contested matches.
The tournament, which marks a significant milestone for Zimbabwean cricket, will culminate in a grand final on July 29. All matches will be held in the vibrant city of Harare, providing fans with a thrilling cricketing spectacle.
The introduction of franchise cricket in Zimbabwe has added a new dimension to the nation’s cricketing landscape, making the Zim Afro T10 an event of great significance. The tournament promises to be a platform for talented players to exhibit their prowess and capture the attention of cricket enthusiasts.
The five competing teams have been unveiled, each bearing the hopes and aspirations of their respective cities. The squads were finalized during a grand ceremony at the Player Draft, where the brains behind the franchises came together to select their line-ups.
The Durban Qalandars, hailing from South Africa, are ready to bring their expertise to the Zim Afro T10. Known for their aggressive style of play, the Qalandars boast a formidable roster capable of turning the game on its head.
Representing Cape Town, the Samp Army enters the tournament with a strong focus on strategic play. The team is armed with a blend of experienced campaigners and rising stars, aiming to make a lasting impression in this debut franchise cricket extravaganza.
The Harare Hurricanes, the hometown favourites, carry the hopes of the local supporters. Backed by their passionate fans, the Hurricanes aim to leverage the home advantage and make their mark on the tournament.
The Bulawayo Braves, hailing from Zimbabwe’s second-largest city, bring their own brand of cricketing flair to the competition. The Braves’ squad features a mix of established players and promising youngsters, creating a formidable blend of experience and talent.
Rounding out the five teams are the Johannesburg Buffaloes, representing South Africa. Known for their hard-hitting batting and disciplined bowling, the Buffaloes are expected to pose a significant challenge to their rivals.
Marquee players for Zim Afro T10 League 2023
Harare Hurricanes: Eoin Morgan (England), Evin Lewis (West Indies), Shahnawaz Dahani (Pakistan), Robin Uthappa (India)
Cape Town Samp Army: Bhanuka Rajapaksa (Sri Lanka), Karim Janat (Afghanistan), Rahmanullah Gurbaz (Afghanistan), Maheesh Theekshana (Sri Lanka)
Durban Qalandars: Asif Ali (Pakistan), Sisanda Magala (South Africa), George Linde (South Africa), Hazratullah Zazai (Afghanistan)
Joburg Buffaloes: Yusuf Pathan (India), Mushfiqur Rahman (Bangladesh), Tom Banton (England), Noor Ahmad (Afghanistan)
Bulawayo Braves: Sikandar Raza (Zimbabwe), Ashton Turner (Australia), Tymal Mills (England), Ben McDermott (Australia)
Complete squads of all five teams
Bulawayo Braves: Sikander Raza, Taskin Ahmed, Ashton Turner, Tymal Mills, Thisara Perera, Ben McDermott, Beau Webster, Patrick Dooley, Kobe Herft, Rayen Burl, Timycen Maruma, Joylord Gumbie, Innocent Kaia, Faraz Akram, Mujeeb Ur Rehman
Cape Town Samp Army: Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Shaun Williams, Bhanuka Rajapaksa, Maheesh Theekshana, Sheldon Cottrel, Karim Janat, Chamika Karunaratne, Peter Hazlogou, Matthew Breetzke, Richard Ngarava, Zhuwao Cephas, Hamilton Masakadza, Tadshwani Marumani, Tinashe Kamunakewe, Parthiv Patel, Mohamed Irfan, Stuart Binny
Durban Qalandars: Asif Ali, Mohammed Amir, George Linde, Hazratullah Zazai, Tim Sifert, Sisanda Magala, Hilton Cartwright, Mirza Thahir Baig, Tayab Abbas, Craig Ervin, Tendai Chatara, Brad Evans, Clive Madande, Nick Welch, Andre Fleture
Harare Hurricanes: Eoin Morgan, Mohamed Nabi, Evin Lewis, Robin Uthappa, Donovon Ferraira, Shahzawaz Dahani, Duan Jansen, Samit Patel, Kevin Kothegoda, Christopher Mpofu, Regis Chakabva, Luke Jonwe, Brandon Mavuta, Tashinga Mushiwa, Irfan Pathan, Khalid Shah, S Sreesanth
Johannesburg Buffaloes: Mushfiqur Rahim, Odean Smith, Tom Banton, Yusuf Pathan, Will Smeed, Noor Ahmad, Ravi Bopara, Usman Shinwari, Junior Dala, Blessing Muzarabani, Wellington Masakadza, Wesley Madhevere, Victor Nyauchi, Milton Shumba, Mohamed Hafeez, Rahul Chopra.
