BY MUNYARADZI MADZOKERE
Abreath of fresh air and hope for a better future has engulfed Zimbabwe Cricket (ZC) as they seek to clear the legacy debt that has shackled the association’s potential for almost a decade.
The domestic cricket body has now paid off the US$3 million International Cricket Council (ICC) loan, as well as the $10 million local bank loans and are now left with a debt of $1 million, which is in the process of being verified by PricewaterhouseCoopers.
The Tavengwa Mukuhlani-led board is looking to make a big take-off into the future as they begin on a clean slate once the remainder of the debt is cleared in the next few months.
Mukuhlani, who ascended to the biggest cricket job in the country in 2015 and has had to endure the weight of the legacy debt since then, could not hide his relief.
“Like we have said, the most important issue for the board was the need to clear the debt with the banks, ICC and all our creditors. This would allow our cashflow to have legroom for us to develop the sport on the domestic scene,” Mukuhlani told Standardsport.
Mukuhlani was unanimously re-elected ZC board chairman for his second four-year term during the elective AGM held in Victoria Falls a year ago.
ZC have managed to get this far with the legacy debt — which initially stood at around $19 million — with the help of the ICC-controlled funding scheme.
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“This debt has haunted our cricket since 2011 and has taken ZC backwards in that we could not help club cricket enough, we could not have the first-class cricket we want as well as failing to establish the academy we want.
“It has also brought in a legacy of uncertainty in Zimbabwe cricket for the staff and everyone involved. Players could not plan on their future and the negative energy was too much in and around our cricket because of this debt,” Mukuhlani said.
The ZC board chairman revealed the association’s future plans once they revert to receiving funds from ICC twice a year and start managing their own finances.
However, ZC may need to first convince ICC that they have put in place structures that enable them to manage their finances well.
“Once we start managing our own finances we will be able to start baby steps to reintroduce vibrant first-class cricket, to establish our own academy as well as first-class and club cricket for our women. That is our targets.
“But obviously we are going to need discipline, robust management, transparency and accountability for us not to fall back again,” he said.
Cricket recently received the green light from the Sports ministry, to commence activities as one of the low-risk sports and ZC has already submitted their plan to the Sports and Recreation Commission for approval.
ZC is already eyeing tours against Afghanistan, Indian and Australia in the next two months.
“We are already looking at possible tours, first against Afghanistan in July, then India and Australia in August, but we will be guided by the government and the situation in the other countries,” Mukuhlani said.
“We want to see our senior men and women teams begin training first, then we go to provinces and then conclude with club cricket. We have a phased resumption programme, which will be guided by the government as well.”
