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ZIMBABWE’S sports tourism sector should position itself for possible rich pickings when the country hosts the second edition on the Zim Afro T10 tournament that is set for Harare in the coming days.

A scintillating line-up of international cricket stars and icons have confirmed they will be descending on Zimbabwe for the shorter version of cricket.

The extravaganza is returning to Harare following the successful staging of the inaugural event last year.

The organisers, Zimbabwe Cricket (ZC) and T Ten Global Sports have promised top-class entertainment as cricket’s fastest and most enthralling format will be back for yet another blockbuster season of enthralling match-ups.

The event will run from September 21 to September 29 at Harare Sports Club.

Over 60 international cricket players from as many as 13 different countries have confirmed their participation following the final Player Draft held last Sunday.

Apart from the anticipated spectacle on the pitch, this is also an opportunity for Zimbabwe to shore up its growing profile as a cricket nation, as well as demonstrate its renowned beauty and hospitality.

For a country like Zimbabwe, sports tourism’s potential cannot be overlooked.

Sports tourism, according to the United Nations World Tourism Organisation, is a type of tourism activity that refers to the travel experience of the tourist, who either observes as a spectator or actively participates in a sporting event generally involving commercial and non-commercial activities of a competitive nature.

The benefits of the Zim Afro T10 to the economy cannot be over-emphasised.

The hotel and accommodation industry in Harare and its environs should be ready for the event.

The visiting international players and officials should also be encouraged to visit Zimbabwe’s tourist sites.

They can spare some time to visit premier tourist destinations like the majestic “Mosi- Oa-Tunya”, the Victoria Falls, “The Smoke that Thunders”, which is one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World.

In-between the games or soon after the tournament, they can sample and enjoy our many tourist attractions, the natural heritage at Great Zimbabwe, the charming beauty of the Eastern Highlands or the magical Chinhoyi Caves, as well as our Big Five — Lion, Elephant, Buffalo, Leopard and Rhino — in the bundu.

In essence, sports and tourism are interrelated and can complement one another in showcasing the country as well as earning revenue from the spin-offs.

Sports tourism is a fundamental axis, generating around 10 percent of the world’s expenditure on tourism.

It is, according to the UNWTO, one of the fastest-growing sectors in tourism as more tourists are interested in sports activities during their trips whether sports are the main objective of travel or not.

The Government and ZC should be applauded for putting together the tournament.

The organisers T-Ten Global Sports said the second season of T10 cricket promises to be bigger and better, with six teams expected to participate this year compared from five last season.

The fast-paced T10 league is the newest version of entertaining cricket that has taken the globe by storm.

An array of international cricket stars is expected to illuminate the stage at Harare Sports Club where matches will be played day and night and affording those who would have been at work earlier on a chance to watch.

  Players from renowned cricket playing nations such as India, Pakistan, New Zealand, England, Australia, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Afghanistan, United States, Scotland, UAE, West Indies, and South Africa will be part of the historic tournament.

The T10 is a new and unique format that sees 10 overs per innings which is roughly 90 minutes of fast paced ‘cricketainment’.

It is a short, high-energy format loved by global audiences and international cricket stars alike.

Since its inception in Sharjah in 2017, the T10 League has grown in leaps and bounds.

After six successful seasons in Abu Dhabi, T10 has begun its global expansion with leagues happening in Zimbabwe, USA, Sri Lanka and India, starting 2023. 

In its first year, the league returned over one million global viewership and now seven years later, the league is estimated to register over 500 million in world audience.

ZC, who are constructing a stadium in Victoria Falls can also leverage on the T10 expansion and popularity to put the country on the limelight. 

The most encouraging fact is that the Government has been open to hosting international events that bring the spotlight on the country.

This dovetails with Government’s efforts towards remodelling sport and recreation into a multi-million-dollar industry, in line with the National Sport and Recreation Policy and the quest to promote sport tourism.

Government has made a deliberate approach under the Second Republic to support the growth of the sport and recreation industry.

Cricket, which used to be an elite sport, is slowly being transformed into a mass sport, as testified by the sold-out attendances in recent international games.

ZC have also expedited the development through their Cricket Kumusha-Cricket Ekhaya programme for which Government has also been supportive.

The Zim Afro T10 should also leave a trail in terms of the development trajectory, the game is taking.

The global icons coming for this event should be engaged in programmes that impact the youth and inspire higher standards of cricket in the country.

It is also an opportunity for ZC to reach out to the corporate world to channel resources and energy to development.

The upcoming Zim Afro T10 tournament is a big opportunity for cricket development and business opportunities, which should not be missed.