THE Zim Afro T10 cricket tournament has firmly established itself as one of the premier cricketing events in the region, with the second edition of the tournament curtain coming down today at Harare Sports Club.
Tournament sponsor Shaji UI Mulk is beaming with pride as he reflects on the growth and success of the event.
"We are extremely pleased because the whole rationale and the strategy of launching a league in the long term is coming to fruition," Mulk told Standard Sport on the sidelines of the tournament yesterday.
"There were lessons to learn in the first year, which we have learned. One of the key improvements this year has been the timing of the league, which has resulted in better weather conditions and larger crowds flocking to the stadium. As you can see, the results with the crowds, large crowds coming in now," the billionaire noted.
The quality of cricket on display has also been a major highlight, with the tournament witnessing a significant milestone - the first-ever T10 century scored in any league around the world coming from the bat of Harare Bolts' George Munsey.
"It happened here in Zimbabwe, so we are very happy from that perspective as well," Mulk beamed.
The historic century by Scottish player Munsey underscores the growing competitiveness and skill level of the players participating in the Zim Afro T10.
"It speaks volumes for the format of T10. Imagine, a single player scoring a century in a 60-ball game. He can only play 30 balls, and he played the whole overs on average. And he played only 30 balls and he got a hundred. So, that is an average over 300 per cent, you see," added Mulk.
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He is optimistic about the future, with plans to have local business owners own the franchises next year, further strengthening the tournament's ties with the community.
Mulk is also buoyed by the unwavering support from the Zimbabwe government and the ZC board.
"It means everything. Because without the support of the government, in the first place, we wouldn't be here," he said.
With Zimbabwe President Emmerson Mnangagwa scheduled to attend the tournament today, Mulk is confident that the event will continue to receive the necessary backing to reach new heights.
