By Trevor Makonyonga
The Masvingo based cricket franchise, Southern Rocks, are back and will take part in this year’s Logan Cup after a six year sabbatical.
Southern Rocks had it’s franchise status taken away in the 2013/14 season and has been under review according to International Cricket Council (ICC) recommendations on how Zimbabwe can improve its financial standing.\
In a statement Zimbabwe Cricket (ZC) said, “Southern Rocks, back in the elite domestic competitions for the first time since the 2013/14 season, will be on a bye and will only get into action against Tuskers in the next round of Logan Cup fixtures scheduled for 15-18 December that will also see Rhinos and Eagles tussling it out in the other match before the Christmas break.”
In the same statement, ZC provided dates of the tournament.
“The four-day tournament had initially been scheduled to begin on Today (Thursday) but will now get underway on the 9th of December, with Manicaland based Mountaineers facing Eagles while Tuskers will be taking on Midwest Rhinos in the first games”.
In another first for local sport, ZC has set up a bio-secure bubble – which refers to an environment cut off from the outside world so as to greatly minimize the risk of players and support staff contracting COVID-19 – in Harare for the five first-class teams.
ZC also outlined the rules of association for the players which are similar to those put in place during the National Premier League (NPL).
“This (the bubble) will see up to 100 players and support staff first getting tested for the coronavirus before they can check into strictly controlled accommodation facilities. The bubble will cover the teams’ accommodation, practice and match venues as well as transport.
“Accordingly, all those in the bubble will not be permitted to have access to families, visitors, friends and relatives for the duration of the seclusion period,” said ZC.
The cricket governing body also promised to adhere to the government regulations.
“Apart from being expected to strictly adhere to all COVID-19 protocols such as sanitization and social distancing, all individuals within the bubble will be monitored daily through temperature and symptom checks. The health and well-being of players and staff remains the highest priority at ZC and the organization will continue to adhere to Government health guidelines in order to curb the spread of the disease.”
Meanwhile, ZC gave an update of the six players and and coach who had tested positive during the NPL saying they had recovered and resumed work.
“The six players and a coach at local cricket clubs who returned positive COVID-19 results last month have all since returned to duty following their recovery, giving ZC a clean bill of health ahead of the start of the 2020/21 domestic season.” ZC said.
All matches will be played at different locations in Harare.
