The next stop for T10 cricket, the fastest format in the game, is Zimbabwe. The Zim Afro T10 tournament is set to begin on July 20 and will conclude with a grand final on July 29, all taking place in Harare.
Adding to the excitement of this journey is the involvement of Sanjay Dutt, a beloved Bollywood actor from India. Dutt will join as a co-owner of the Harare Hurricanes team, alongside Sohan Roy, the Founder, Chairman, and CEO of Aries Group of Companies. This marks their first venture into the world of cricket.
The Zim Afro T10 represents franchise cricket’s first foray in Zimbabwe and the tournament will have five privately owned teams battling it out for the top prize. The other four teams will be Durban Qalandars, CapeTown Samp Army, Bulawayo Braves and the Joburg Lions.
The player’s draft is slated to take place on the 2nd of July at a grand ceremony in Harare.
Zimbabwe Cricket Managing Director Mr Givemore Makoni said, “To see some of the biggest names in the entertainment industry throw their weight behind the Zim Afro T10 gives me immense pleasure, and tells me that the tournament is being well received. Now, all that is left is that the Harare Hurricanes put in a brilliant showing in the tournament next month.”
“Cricket is like a religion in India, and as one of the biggest nations in the sport, I feel it is our duty to take the game to every corner of the world. Zimbabwe has a rich history in the sport and to associate with that and help fans have a great time is something that truly gives me joy. I am looking forward to the Harare Hurricanes doing really well at the Zim Afro T10,” Sanjay Dutt, Co-Owner, Harare Hurricanes, said.
Earlier this week, Lahore Qalandars also announced that they have acquired a franchise in the upcoming Zim Afro T10, making Durban Qalandars their team for the league's inaugural edition.
The management of Qalandars is excited about this new venture and hopes to replicate its success in Zimbabwe's first-ever league.