History
Early years
Following Zimbabwe's independence, the Zimbabwe Cricket Union was elected as an associate member of the ICC on 21 July 1981. [6] [7] The Zimbabwe Cricket Union became a full member of the ICC and gained test status in 1992 [8] [9] and was renamed Zimbabwe Cricket in 2004. [10]
Suspension of Test status
Zimbabwe cricket went through major upheaval during the 2000s. During the 2003 Cricket World Cup, senior team members Andy Flower and Henry Olonga staged a "black armband protest" at the "death of democracy" in Zimbabwe, a reference to the country's political situation. Both players subsequently retired from international cricket. [11] In 2004, the majority of the remaining senior players quit the international game following a player protest triggered by the removal of then-captain Heath Streak, resulting in a very young and inexperienced side being fielded in subsequent series against Sri Lanka and Australia. Zimbabwe's resounding defeats in those series led to the withdrawal of Test status that, apart from a brief resumption in 2005 with series against South Africa, New Zealand and India, remained in place until early 2011.
Return to Test cricket
An improvement in Zimbabwe's on-field performances, including a notable victory over Australia in the 2007 ICC World Twenty20 group stages and an overhaul of coaching staff, led to the side's Test status being reinstated, with matches against Bangladesh, Pakistan and New Zealand in late 2011. [12] As part of the lead-up to their Test return, Zimbabwe Cricket announced major upgrades to the Harare Sports Club and Mutare Sports Club grounds. [13] Plans for a new Test ground at Victoria Falls were also revealed. [14] ZC also signed a three-year deal with Reebok worth $1mn to sponsor the domestic competitions and provide the kits of the Zimbabwean national cricket team. [15]
In February 2017, Zimbabwe Cricket confirmed that an academy side would tour England later that year to play fixtures against second-XI sides, including Northamptonshire and Worcestershire. [16] The following players were selected for the squad: Ryan Burl, Tinashe Kamunhukamwe, Taffy Mupariwa, Tafadzwa Tsiga, Tarisai Musakanda, Tylor Trenoweth, William Mashinge, Faraz Akram, Carl Mumba, Blessing Muzarabani, Tendai Nyamayaro, Mkhululi Nyathi, Richard Ngarava, Kuziva Ziwira, Thamsanqa Nunu and Brandon Mavuta. [16]
ICC suspension and return
In September 2018, the former national team coach Heath Streak submitted an application to the court to have Zimbabwe Cricket liquidated, in relation to outstanding debts, listing the dues owed to him and other members of his coaching staff, who were all dismissed following their failed World Cup qualifying campaign in March. [17]
In July 2019, the ICC suspended Zimbabwe Cricket, with the team barred from taking part in ICC events, which put their participation in the 2019 ICC Women's World Twenty20 Qualifier and the 2019 ICC T20 World Cup Qualifier tournaments in doubt. [18] [19] Later the same month, the ICC wrote to Zimbabwe Cricket, instructing them to reinstate their board that was elected on 14 June 2019, or risk the termination of their ICC membership. [20] In October 2019, the ICC lifted its suspension on Zimbabwe Cricket, allowing them to take part in future ICC events. [21]
In December 2022, Zimbabwe Cricket announced a six-team T10 tournament which is set to launch in March 2023. It will be called Zim Afro T10. The tournament is the first ever franchise league of the board. [22]
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Dave Houghton [4] 
