Zimbabwe Cricket offers a central contract to 19 women’s cricketers for 2022-23 cycle

Zimbabwe Women's Cricket Team

It is time for Zimbabwe Women’s Cricket team to rejoice as Zimbabwe Cricket (ZC) has announced central contracts for the 2022-23 season. A total of 19 women cricketers have been awarded an annual contract.

The players have been broadly divided into four categories, namely Grade A+, Grade A, Grade B, and Grade C. The top grade, Grade A+ features only three Zimbabwe Women cricketers. It has skipper Mary-Anne Musonda alongside vice-captain Josephine Nkomo and Chipo Mugeri-Tiripano.

Grade A has a total of three players including Precious Marange, Modester Mupachikwa, and Sharne Mayers. Left-arm pacer Nomvelo Sibanda and right-arm faster Loreen Tshuma form a part of Grade B. Meanwhile, the remaining 11 players have been awarded Grade C contracts.

Hamilton Masakadza emphasizes the importance of central contracts for women

The players with last grade contracts are Esther Mbofana, Loryn Phiri, Pellagia Mujaji, Audrey Mazvishaya, Christabel Chatonzwa, Nyasha Gwanzura, Ashley Ndiraya, Nomatter Mutasa, Chiedza Dhururu, Francisca Chipare, and Tasmeen Granger.

Speaking about the distribution of contracts, ZC director of cricket, Hamilton Masakadza highlighted the organization's commitment to the growth and development of Women’s cricket. The official believes that the central contracts will help the players focus more on the game.

“We believe this will not only boost the morale of our players but will also allow them to fully focus on their game ahead of a crucial period for our national team, which includes participation at the ICC Women's T20 World Cup Qualifier 2022 to be held in the United Arab Emirates in September,” Zimbabwe Cricket’s director said as quoted by ZC official website.

Zimbabwe Women’s squad for the T20 World Cup Qualifier

Along with the contracts, Zimbabwe Cricket has also revealed the 15-member Women's squad for the T20 World Cup qualifier. The team will be fighting in the Qualifier in the United Arab Emirates from September 18 to 25.

It is an important contest considering that the top two teams will earn a place in the T20 World Cup, scheduled in South Africa next year. Zimbabwe forms a part of Group B in the qualifier alongside Thailand, Papua New Guinea, and UAE. The first group features Bangladesh, Scotland, USA, and Ireland Women.

The major highlight of the squad is the comeback of Mupachikwa and Nkomo. Francisca Chipare and Kelis Ndlovu have also managed to get a place in the team.

Zimbabwe’s 15-member squad: Nomvelo Sibanda, Esther Mbofana, Mary-Anne Musonda (captain), Modester Mupachikwa, Precious Marange, Christabel Chatonzwa, Loreen Tshuma, Loryn Phiri, Pellagia Mujaji, Audrey Mazvishaya, Chipo Mugeri-Tiripano, Francisca Chipare, Kelis Ndhlovu, Sharne Mayers, Josephine Nkomo

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