Ricky Zililo Senior Sports Reporter
ZIMBABWE Cricket has reduced the number of players on central contracts from 15 to 10 in a bid to create stiff competition. Players rewarded with central contracts are regular national team members Elton Chigumbura, Sean Williams, Hamilton Masakadza, Sikandar Raza Butt, Tinashe Panyangara, Graeme Cremer, Craig Ervine, Chamunorwa Chibhabha, Regis Chakabva and Prosper Utseya.
According to Matabeleland Tuskers Cricket Franchise chief executive officer Stanley Staddon, ZC will periodically review players’ performances, with underperformers risking being released from central contracts.
He said ZC limited the number of players on central contracts to encourage competition and inspire others to work harder to be elevated.
Some of the familiar national team players that missed out on central contracts such as opening batsman Vusumuzi Sibanda, seamer Christopher Mpofu, spin bowler John Nyumbu and Malcolm Waller, were given high performance contracts that are reviewable after 12 months.
“Issues to do with resources and player performances were considered in coming up with these changes. Everyone believes they’re good for the game and will make players work harder to get central contracts,” said Staddon.
“Those that are in the top bracket will want to keep their places while those below will get a chance to be elevated if slots open up. ZC have said they’ll review players’ performances every three to four months, meaning that everyone has a chance to be uplifted and people have to work hard,” he said.
Players that missed out on both the central and high performance contracts will be accommodated in franchise contracts, which will run for the duration of the season, which is six months.
Because of a congested international programme involving the national team and Zimbabwe A, players roped in in the absence of national team players will get earn-as-you-play contracts.
Besides the restructuring of contracts, ZC also revised franchise cricket’s playing format, which will see teams playing two rounds instead of three.
They argue that domestic cricket will be affected by the international programme.
To keep players that would have failed to make it into the national teams active, ZC human resources manager Takudzwa Rafemoyo informed franchises’ heads that players on 12-month national contracts will be available for provincial first class selection.
This means the players will be mandated to play club cricket.
ZC has also introduced a Premier League to be made up of eight teams; three from Harare, two from Bulawayo, with Midlands, Manicaland and Masvingo having a club each.
The Premier League will start on October 11 and run up to the end of November.
The Franchise cricket season starts with the Pro-50 one-day games on November 4 with the Logan Cup roaring into life on November 25.
ZC 2015-16 season national contracts
Central contracts
Elton Chigumbura, Sean Williams, Hamilton Masakadza, Sikandar Raza Butt, Tinashe Panyangara, Graeme Cremer, Craig Ervine, Chamunorwa Chibhabha, Regis Chakabva, Prosper Utseya
High performance contracts
Vusimuzi Sibanda, Brian Vitori, Malcolm Waller, Natsai Mshangwe, John Nyumbu, Donald Tiripano, Neville Madziva, Luke Jongwe, Christopher Mpofu, Richmond Mutumbami, Peter J. Moore, Taurai Muzarabani, Wellington Masakadza, Roy Kaia, Tendai Chatara