Botswana Cricket Association (BCA)’s bilateral relations with neighbouring countries are beneficial to the local cricket body.
These sentiments were shared by BCA vice chairperson Sumod Damodar following on the invitation of national captain, Karabo Motlhanka to play for Zimbabwe side, Tuskers Franchise.
“Motlhanka’s performance had attracted the eye of our neighbors and they have invited him to partake in Zimbabwe local cup tournament. He has been invited by Tuskers to play for their team, as a non-professional, for two (2) four-day games in the Logan Cup, in Harare, Zimbabwe,” Damodar said.
The BCA Vice Chairperson explained that the Tuskers’ interest in Motlhanka came as a result of the player’s exceptional display during the senior men’s cricket national team’s tour to Bulawayo, Zimbabwe, in October 2021. He said it was during the time that the franchise and Cricket Zimbabwe noticed Motlhanka’s potential hence the invitation.
“The invitation has proven the support and commitment the Tuskers and Cricket Zimbabwe have shown to BCA and the association will continue to nurture the relationship to grow further,” Damodar said.
The BCA vice chairperson also explained that the invitation is beneficial to Karabo as an individual because he has improving on his statistics and with good record he is destined for greatness and future chances of invitations or to play in tough leagues and competitions.
BCA good relationship with neighbouring countries and the association is working on creating platforms for players and nation teams to play in more tournaments. “BCA want to see junior teams participating in more tournaments so that they can be exposed to hard competitions. BCA is also looking at continuing with development programme as well as domestic BCA Leagues but will be subject to decisions taken by the Ministries of Health, Education and Sports. The BCA is optimistic that the ministry and sport governing bodies will give green light for activities to fully return.
Among competitions in the BCA calendar of events include, ACA T20 Cup Finals scheduled for February, in Benoni, South Africa (TBC), ICC U-19 Girls/Women’s T20 World Cup Africa Qualifiers scheduled for August (TBC), and ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Africa Sub-Regional Qualifiers at the end of the year (TBC).
The BCA also intends to revive the Annual Women’s T20 Tournament expected to be played in August. School sport is also expected to return once the ministry gives go ahead.
