Zimbabwe Government Sees Opportunity for Cricket Growth

ZIMBABWE’S Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Sports Chairperson Farai Jere and CAPS United president hailed the country’s hosting of the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup, highlighting the government’s focus on developing sports infrastructure and promoting grassroots participation.

Speaking at Takashinga Cricket Club, Jere said the event marked a turning point for cricket in Zimbabwe, formerly seen as an elite sport. 

This speaks to the presidential mantra: leaving no one and no place behind,” he said. 

“This is a pillar of our National Development Strategy 2. It’s about creating employment; our people are going to earn a living out of sports.”

The government is investing in sports infrastructure, with stadiums being built in Masvingo and Victoria Falls. Jere believes this will create opportunities for young people and promote cricket in marginalised areas.

“Cricket was an elite game… it’s actually going to generate interest in the kids, take them away from drugs, and create employment,” Jere said.

The Zimbabwe U19 team’s qualification to the Super Six round despite losing to Pakistan was a bonus. Jere praised the government’s support for sports, saying it’s a key part of the national development strategy.

“Our government is taking sports seriously… It’s going to take our kids out of drugs, create employment, and our people are going to earn a living out of sports.”