ZC sets sights on Lara

Legendary West Indian batsman Brian Lara could be Zimbabwe Cricket's next high-profile signing, according to reports in local newspaper the Zimbabwe Independent. Lara, who was guest of honour and keynote speaker at the recent ZC annual awards ceremony, could take up a player/coach role with one of Zimbabwe's domestic franchises.

"The season is long, discussions are taking place, let us wait and see. You might see me coming back here," Lara is quoted as saying. Ozias Bvute, ZC's managing director added: "We are talking but its early days to say whether he is coming back to play or coach here."

The report suggests that Lara could play in the domestic Twenty20 competition and may also be called upon to help coach the national side's batsmen and claims that a source close to ZC has revealed that an offer has already been made.

Former South Africa fast bowler Allan Donald and Australian Jason Gillespie have already taken up coaching contracts in Zimbabwe, while Sean Clingeleffer, Andrew Hall and a handful of English county players have also been linked to domestic franchises.