ZC launch domestic 'B' league

Zimbabwe cricket has launched a domestic 'B' league as the number of professional cricketers playing franchise cricket in the country starts to grow. The second XI fixtures list, which runs from January through to the end of March, includes eight games per team.

"The move is good for the country. Clubs have in the past proved that they do have the layers to support such a development," Godfrey Koti, the ZC Media and Communications Manager for the Southern Region, told a local newspaper.

The move is likely to result in increased competition for places in senior domestic sides, as well as providing valuable match practice, and has been welcomed by the domestic franchises. Robin Brown, head coach of the Matabeleland Tuskers, added: "This will create the necessary competition in the main team, making selection merit based."