President Launches Zim Afro T10

President Mnangagwa poses with Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Minister Monica Mutsvangwa (far right), Youth, Sport, Arts and Recreation Minister Kirsty Coventry (second from right), T10 Global Sport founder and chairman Nawab Shaji Ul Mulk (far left), and Zimbabwe international cricketer Sikandar Raza (second from left) during the official launch of the inaugural Zim Afro T10 League at Harare Sports Club yesterday.— Picture: Justin Mutenda

Eddie Chikamhi

Senior Sports Reporter

PRESIDENT Mnangagwa yesterday said the hosting of the historic Zim Afro T10 on Zimbabwean soil for the first time was a step in the right direction as it fits into Government’s thrust to remodel the sport and recreation sector into a multi-million-dollar industry, in line with the National Sport and Recreation Policy and the quest to promote sport tourism. The tournament, which represents franchise cricket’s first foray into Zimbabwe, and Africa, is expected to be an absolute carnival of cricket as an array of international cricket stars are expected to illuminate the stage at Harare Sports Club in the next nine days. The T10 League has registered successes in the United Arab Emirates since its inception in 2017 by T10 Global Sports fronted by billionaire businessman Nawaz Shaji Ul Mulk. Similar successes are expected in Zimbabwe. President Mnangagwa said he was excited the tournament was coming on the backdrop of the successful 2023 ICC Cricket World Cup Qualifier that was held in Harare and Bulawayo earlier this month. “It is my pleasure to join you today at this momentous occasion as Zimbabwe becomes the second Full Member of the International Cricket Council to host the T10 Cricket League, after Abu Dhabi in the United Arab Emirates and the first country in Africa, to launch a T10 cricket League. Congratulations,” said President Mnangagwa.