ZIMBABWE Cricket (ZC) has sealed a deal with United Arab Emirates-based Mulk International to launch a new franchise-based T10 league scheduled to start in March next year.
Mulk Holdings, a multinational conglomerate with diversified business interests was recently commissioned by the Zimbabwe government to build a US$500 000 Cyber City, a state-of-the-art hi-tech park in Mt Hampden, on the outskirts of the capital.
The same company will now also be behind the launch of the exciting new competition which will be known as the Zim Afro T10 league.
Mulk International is already involved in T10 cricket in the UAE, where it founded the Abu Dhabi T10, where Zimbabwe’s star all-rounder Sikandar Raza recently featured for the Chennai Braves
The first edition of Zimbabwe’s latest tournament will involve six privately-owned teams and will feature some of the world’s leading cricketers.
Zimbabwe Cricket chairperson Tavengwa Mukuhlani said the new partnership would transform local cricket and market the domestic game to a global audience.
“We are pleased to announce the introduction of Zimbabwe’s own franchise-based T10 league, a powerful format that we believe is exactly what our changing, fast-paced world needs right now,” Mukuhlani said.
“As we embark on this hugely exciting journey — in partnership with Mr Shaji Ul Mulk and his company — we are looking to transform our game and create a massive global fan base by providing one of the best platforms in the sport for the world’s top players to showcase their talents.”
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ZC managing director Givemore Makoni said the establishment of the new T10 league was a welcome addition for the local game which has enjoyed tremendous growth over the last few months.
“This is an exciting addition to our cricket calendar and the potential of the Zim Afro T10 league to advance the reach, attractiveness and growth of the sport cannot be overemphasised,” Makoni said.
“We have already covered a lot of ground to ensure that, come March 2023, everything will be in place for the launch of a tournament that will provide great entertainment for the fans, top-level competition for the players and vast exposure for the investors.”
The inaugural edition of the Zim Afro T10 League is scheduled to get underway on March 29, 2023 with the participating franchises, player auction dates, fixtures and other details yet to be announced by the local cricket governing body.
