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The excitement builds as the Zim Afro T10, organized by Zimbabwe Cricket in collaboration with T Ten Global Sports, approaches its player draft on July 2. The five franchises participating in the league have revealed their pre-draft marquee players, which include renowned names such as Robin Uthappa, Yusuf Pathan, and Eoin Morgan.
Harare Hurricanes, Joburg Buffaloes, Durban Qalandars, Bulawayo Braves, and Cape Town Samp Army will battle it out for supremacy in the inaugural edition of the tournament. All matches will take place in Harare, with the league set to commence on July 20 and conclude with a grand finale on July 29.
Each team is required to have a minimum of 16 players, including at least six Zimbabwean players, with one emerging Zimbabwean player to be selected from a nationwide talent hunt.
Prior to the draft, franchises have the option to pre-sign a maximum of four top international players, who will be announced before the draft begins. These signings add a layer of anticipation and strategic planning for the teams.
"We are in the final stages ahead of the Zim Afro T10's inaugural edition. This brings me immense joy because witnessing this tournament come to life has been a dream for the entire Zimbabwean cricket family. It marks a significant moment in the country's cricket history, and I am confident that fans are eagerly awaiting the opening day," expressed Givemore Makoni, Zimbabwe Cricket's Managing Director.
Nawab Shaji Ul Mulk, Founder and Chairman of T Ten Global Sports, expressed his satisfaction, stating, "Bringing the T10 format to Zimbabwe has been a top priority for us, and reaching the final stages before the inaugural edition is a source of great satisfaction. This is a momentous day for the sport, and the player draft will be another milestone in the history of cricket. We are eager to kick-start the tournament and welcome the best players to Harare."
As the Zim Afro T10 prepares for its debut, cricket enthusiasts eagerly await the unveiling of the player draft and the start of an electrifying competition showcasing the talents of international and domestic cricketers in Zimbabwe.
Pre-Draft Signings:
Harare Hurricanes: Eoin Morgan, Evin Lewis, Shahnawaz Dahani, Robin Uthappa
Cape Town Samp Army: Bhanuka Rajapaksa, Karim Janat, Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Maheesh Theekshana
Durban Qalandars: Asif Ali, Sisanda Magala, George Linde, Hazratullah Zazai,
Joburg Buffaloes: Yusuf Pathan, Mushfiqur Rehman, Tom Banton, Noor Ahmed
Bulawayo Braves: Sikander Raza, Ashton Turner, Tymal Mills, Ben McDermott