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Catch all the updates from the ninth and final round of Ranji Trophy matches of the ongoing season where five quarter-final spots are up for grabs

ESPNcricinfo staff07-Dec-2016

Central Districts overcame a shaky start to beat Canterbury by 27 runs after Ross Taylor struck 80 to remain table toppers

ESPNcricinfo staff31-Dec-2016
ScorecardFile photo – Ross Taylor cracked five fours and six sixes in his 80 off 50•Getty ImagesAfter a month away from the game to have a benign growth removed from his left eye, Ross Taylor had returned with a bang. He followed up his unbeaten 82 off 41 against Auckland with another match-winning effort of 80 off 50 for Central Districts against Canterbury in the Super Smash 2016-17.Central Districts chose to bat, and suffered big blow early on losing Mahela Jayawardene for 4. They were on shaky ground when they lost captain Will Young an over later to be reduced to 17 for 2, but Taylor walked in and settled things down for them along with opener George Worker. Worker fell to the legspin of Todd Astle one short of a fifty, but not before adding 78 at nine to the over with Taylor to beat Canterbury back. From thereon, Canterbury managed to strike regular blows at one end, but Taylor held his up remarkably well, slamming six sixes in his 50-ball knock that ended in the final over of the innings.Chasing 191, five of Canterbury’s top six got off to starts, but none could kick on. With no one to anchor the innings, the chase was repeatedly dented by wickets and fell away. They were bowled out with five balls to spare, well short of the target, with fast bowler Seth Rance cutting through their middle with four wickets.The win opened up Central Districts’ lead on the points table – they now have six wins and 26 points in nine games, an eight-point lead over No. 2 Northern Districts.

Leeds United are reportedly set to enter the final stages of their manager search this week and appointing the right man for the job will be essential in the club's pursuit to make an instant bounce back to the Premier League.

The Whites dropped back down into the Championship after suffering relegation on the final day of their 38-game campaign under Sam Allardyce's management and will now need to show strong resilience as they battle in the second tier to emulate Burnley's achievement of earning a return to the top flight in just one season.

Following a takeover, the 49ers will be working hard to make their first hugely important move to appoint a manager which will likely represent the first impression they give to the Elland Road faithful, so there is a lot of pressure riding on acquiring the right manager.

Daniel Farke, Scott Parker and Carlos Corberan were named by The Telegraph as short-listed contenders for the role last week, whilst speculated candidate Brendan Rodgers has now agreed to reunite with Celtic – thus whittling down the options available.

Marcelo Bielsa's former assistant, Corberan, would likely be the most favoured option for many Leeds supporters this summer as the manager is extremely familiar with the club culture and has already built relationships with many members of the squad.

Now the West Bromwich Albion boss could offer his former club a great asset this summer beyond his experience at the club, with his midfielder, Jayson Molumby, a potential transfer target for the West Yorkshire club this summer.

Should Leeds appoint Corberan?

Since leaving Leeds in 2020 to manage local rivals Huddersfield Town, the Spanish coach has gone from strength to strength in his step-up to first-team managerial roles.

Corberan – lauded for his "unbelievable desire" by West Brom chief Ian Pearce – famously led the Terriers to the Championship play-off final last summer against Nottingham Forest during his first season in charge but just fell short of promotion at Wembley Stadium, before a fleeting 11-fixture spell at Olympiacos.

Now the 40-year-old is delivering his attacking-minded philosophy in the Midlands with West Brom and since his arrival in October has transformed the club's fate from relegation contenders under Steve Bruce to finishing just three points shy of a play-off place last season – collecting 56 points, 17 wins and five draws over 33 games in charge.

Should the 49ers be able to convince Corberan to reunite with Leeds this summer, it could not only be a huge asset to improving the consistency of the attacking presence at Elland Road, but he could also bring Molumby with him.

The 23-year-old midfielder – hailed "very ambitious" by Graham Potter – has thrived under the Baggies boss; scoring four goals, registering four assists and tallying up an 86% pass completion rate over 43 league appearances, making him an ideal prospect to bolster the presence in Leeds' midfield ahead of next season.

With that being said, if Leeds can secure the signatures of both Corberan and Molumby this summer it would be a real statement of the 49ers ambitious intent to get the club back in the Premier League and playing attractive attacking football once again.

West Ham striker Gianluca Scamacca has already accepted a proposal to return to Italy, just a year after his £30m move to London.

How many goals has Scamacca scored?

Scamacca was an incredibly exciting prospect before making his move to West Ham last year. The Italian striker scored 16 goals in Serie A last year for Sassuolo, earning himself an expensive move to the Premier League.

The 24-year-old has struggled however since his move, failing to replicate his success with just three goals in 16 Premier League appearances last season. The forward performed to a higher level in West Ham's Conference League triumph, scoring three in seven.

Scamacca began life at the London Stadium in a promising way, scoring four in his first 13 games. This early season form prompted captain Declan Rice to laud the striker with praise.

“I can tell you now he’s going to be unbelievable,” Rice told talkSPORT. “He‘s going to be really, really special." West Ham's captain passionately exclaimed "he’s just on another level".

The Italian has made 11 national team appearances so far, with zero goals there to his name, showing the forward could struggle to perform under major pressure.

Due to his poor season, Scamacca now appears set on a return to Serie A, as reported by Gazzetta dello Sport, via Sport Witness. The report adds that AS Roma are the club most interested in the forward, due to Tammy Abraham being injured for the foreseeable future.

Scamacca is also reportedly extremely keen on the move with it being stated that he ‘has already accepted the proposal to return’ to his home country.

It is believed the Hammers aren't interested in a loan move and would prefer a clean break, but if no sale transpires a loan could indeed happen. It is believed a positve season on-loan could benefit West Ham too.

Will West Ham replace Scamacca?

West Ham would likely need to replace Scamacca if they lose him. His departure would leave them short up front with just an ageing Michail Antonio and injury prone Danny Ings in the ranks.

According to The Daily Mail, West Ham have identified Coventry City's Viktor Gyokeres as their primary striking target.

The Swedish striker is valued at £25m, and it is thought there are at least four Premier League sides in the hunt. The 25-year-old scored 21 Championship goals last season while also contributing ten assists as he fired Coventry to the play-off final.

Gyokeres is an incredibly exciting talent and could be a huge upgrade for West Ham on the current options available to David Moyes.

Brendon McCullum has helped build an image for the Brisbane Heat as a team of fighters, and his players and the fans have responded wonderfully

Will Macpherson at the Gabba25-Jan-2017″I suppose I should watch it,” said Brendon McCullum, of the BBL final, which his Brisbane Heat side will not contest, having lost to the Sydney Sixers at the Gabba.The sense is, though, that it does not matter that the Heat did not make the final, because this season’s effect on the club, and on BBL in the city, has been profound enough to leave a mark.McCullum’s is a team in his image, that went down in his style. He even hit the final ball of their season down the ground for six. It was too late, of course, but their swashbuckling style and total togetherness were on display in defeat. Twice in the game they should have been dead and buried, twice they fought back. Eventually, only a Super Over shook them. With their top six gone for 109, the lower order hustled 57 from the final five overs to set up a target, then with Sixers cruising to victory, they took 5 for 29 before Ben Cutting’s last over cost just five to force a Super Over.”It was pretty tense all right,” McCullum said. “We did well to get back into the game. Lesser teams would have lost that by five or six overs but the belief within the group meant we kept fighting hard. In the end it’s disappointing to run second but proud of the boys, not just tonight but for the whole campaign.”We have lost some close games, and a close semi-final. We can walk away saying we made some significant strides forward as a team, and the crowds that have turned up are testimony to that. It was an attractive brand of cricket which they have quite enjoyed. Some of those games you win and some you lose but I’m very proud of it – in a finals situation, behind the eight-ball, it’s a good sign that we are maturing quickly.”As McCullum said, Brisbanites have voted for his team with their feet. The Gabba had never seen a single BBL sellout before this season, and there was some whispers to suggest CA saw them as a club falling behind. But this year, all five of their games sold out, with 140,727 people through the gates in total. This crowd, 35,116, was their biggest ever – beating their last, against Renegades on Friday, by four people. It has been a remarkable turnaround, especially given they have won just one of those five home games.

That’s what we are employed to do, to try to gain an identity about how you want to play.Brendon McCullum

“We are a young team,” McCullum said, discussing why people have come to watch. “One that doesn’t mind having a go, and isn’t scarred by too much experience, as can be the case. We want to go out there and play attacking cricket and, as we’ve seen every game barring the [loss to] Scorchers here, we have tried to attack with the bat, try to take wickets, and try to be desperate in the field. That’s the basis of a good cricket team; as long as you’re consistent about doing it, and you turn up, and everyone else who who turns up knows exactly how you are going to play – win, lose or draw. In an inconsistent game that’s not a bad way to find a bit of consistency.”There has been a conscious effort, just as there was when McCullum captained New Zealand, to forge an identity to the team. “That’s what we are employed to do, to try to gain an identity about how you want to play,” he said. “Dan [Vettori, the coach], Bondy [Shane Bond], myself, then senior players within the group and the management behind the scenes – we’re all trying to sing off the same song sheet.”Asked to explain the team’s philosophy, McCullum cited Joe Burns, who has been a revelation batting down the order, and Ben Cutting as key players in pulling the team in the same direction. Burns has even started bowling (typically adventurous McCullum captaincy), and took a wicket – Nic Maddinson – in the first over of the chase, while Cutting batted and bowled in the Super Over.”I actually locked him [Burns] in for two wickets at the start of the day, so he is still one down in my book,” McCullum joked. “That was about match-ups and he’s flying at the moment, Burnsy. He’s a leader in the group, so I’ll just keep throwing him the ball, try and get him in the game. Same with Cutts – throw him the ball for the Super Over, and then with the bat get him out there. Give your big players, your leaders ample opportunity, and then the young guys will come along for the ride.All of this, of course, is straight from the McCullum copybook.”We are just trying to have a crack. It’s good fun playing T20 and we get big crowds turning up to support us, so you just try to do your best for those guys. Hopefully what we have done this year is just the start of something a lot bigger and better.”

ESPNcricinfo previews the one-off T20I between New Zealand and South Africa at Eden Park

Andrew McGlashan at Eden Park16-Feb-2017Match FactsFebruary 17, 2017
Start time 7.00pm local (0600GMT)Glenn Phillips will make his debut at the top of the order for New Zealand•Getty ImagesThe Big PictureNew Zealand have dispatched Pakistan, Bangladesh and Australia at home this season but the visit of South Africa is the meat of their summer. We should know a fair amount more about Kane Williamson’s New Zealand by the end of March.Whether the tour actually gets going on Friday night is another issue. Rain lashed Auckland on the final practice day – it has already disrupted South Africa’s first few days here with the warm-up match washed – and it currently appears touch-and-go if it will clear in time for a full match.One-off T20s are pretty meaningless in the grander scheme of things, especially so far away from the next World T20, and Faf du Plessis said pretty much that at his arrival press conference. However, cricket should be about the spectators as well as the players and, if the weather plays ball and the crowd swells into the ground, it should be a lively Friday evening.The only part of South Africa’s home season that did not go to plan was the T20 series against Sri Lanka when a second-string side were overturned 2-1. This time the side will closely resemble the powerhouse one-day unit; whether that translates into the performance remains to be seen.For New Zealand in T20 there is a sense of getting a glimpse at the future. Tom Bruce came in against Bangladesh, left-armer Ben Wheeler returned and Tom Blundell also featured. Blundell has made way for the fit-again Luke Ronchi, but 20-year Glenn Phillips has been rewarded for his stellar Super Smash tournament.Form guide(completed matches, most recent first)
New Zealand WWWLW
South AfricaLLWWLIn the spotlightColin Munro has lost his place in the ODI squad after two failures at the hands of Australia, but two international innings previously he had notched his maiden hundred with 101 off 57 balls in the second T20 against Bangladesh. That century came in the middle of two ducks in the same series, then a brief trip to the BBL was not hugely successful before his twin failures against Australia. His last outing in domestic cricket was at least a half-century, but he remains a hit or miss player.Quinton de Kock was one of a host of first-choice players given the Sri Lanka T20 series off and how he was missed at the top of the order. Although one half-century in 29 innings may seem a little underwhelming for someone who has played all but three of those as an opener (he has, though, passed 25 in 17 of those innings) he can light the powderkeg for an innings as was witnessed at the World T20 against England when he scored that lone fifty.Team newsThe 20-year-old Phillips will open in the absence of Martin Guptill, while Kane Williamson indicated that Nos. 3 to 5 in the order would remain the same as the Bangladesh series. That could mean a decision between Jimmy Neesham and Colin de Grandhomme although much will depend on if the game is reduced due to rain.New Zealand (possible) 1 Kane Williamson (capt), 2 Glenn Phillips, 3 Colin Munro, 4 Tom Bruce, 5 Corey Anderson, 6 Colin de Grandhomme, 7 Luke Ronchi (wk), 8 Mitchell Santner, 9 Ben Wheeler, 10 Tim Southee, 11 Trent BoultSouth Africa will make a late decision over the fitness of David Miller after the finger injury he picked up against Sri Lanka. If he is fit to play it would likely mean Farhaan Behardien, who captained South Africa in their previous series, missing out.South Africa (possible) 1 Hashim Amla, 2 Quinton de Kock (wk), 3 AB de Villiers, 4 Faf du Plessis (capt), 5 JP Duminy, 6 David Miller/Farhaan Behardien, 7 Chris Morris, 8 Wayne Parnell, 9 Andile Phehlukwayo, 10 Kagiso Rabada, 11 Imran TahirPitch and conditionsEden Park equals endless mentions of short boundaries. Yes, they are still short straight. It doesn’t mean batsmen always take advantage, though. While the weather forecast is poor there is the potential for it to clear up during the afternoon and the ground does have top-quality drainage. The pitch is unlikely to suffer although if there is play under cloudy skies the ball could swing, while a damp ball would be hard for the spinners.Stats and trivia These two teams have played 14 T20Is against each other: South Africa lead 10-4 Despite the often-referenced short boundaries, the average score batting first in T20Is at Eden Park is a fairly modest 166. The highest total, made twice, is 214 by Australia (in the first ever T20) and England in 2013. Phillips will play for New Zealand before he has played a first-class game for Auckland.Quotes”I’ve been working really hard. It’s not easy to go in every series and try to perform but as long as I’m doing well for the team, as long as the captain and boys are happy, then I’m happy.”
“We want to hit the ground running tomorrow night. It’s a shame about the build-up and the weather, but we’ve been in camp for a while and every team has been playing a huge amount of cricket so nice to come off a little break.”

Tottenham Hotspur have two new names on their centre-back shortlist, according to journalist Fabrizio Romano.

Which new names have been added?

Ange Postecoglou has his work cut out to get Tottenham's defence in order next season, with just one summer to fix a porous backline.

That will likely mean making some additions to his squad, while possibly moving on some of those who were culpable for last season's disastrous defensive displays.

One name that has been continually mentioned in recent days is Bayer Leverkusen's Edmond Tapsoba, who could be available for as little as £26m, although, speaking on his Here We Go podcast, Romano suggested a fee closer to £50m.

Romano added later in the podcast that Tapsoba is not the only player Spurs appreciate, with two new names being added to the growing centre-back shortlist.

He stated: "I can tell you there are two more names in the list. Two more who I think, I will say one more name because I'm still checking with my sources, but I think tomorrow I will call one more name for Tottenham. So, I still need to do some checks."

"But there is interest in two more players, it is not only Tapsoba – Tapsoba is one of them. Tosin Adarabioyo from Fulham is a player they discussed, but in this moment, from what I understand, is not a priority."

He added: "Tottenham are not in concrete negotiations for Tosin. He is a player they like in terms of being informed and the conditions of the deal, but they are not advancing on anything for Tosin, and then we will see for these other options. So, Tapsoba priority, but it is not only Tapsoba."

Due to only having one year left on his contract and having rejected an extension, it is thought Adarabioyo could be available for as little as £13m this window. The 25-year-old had an average 6.89 Premier League rating on Sofascore, adapting well to life in England's top tier.

A cut-price deal for the former Manchester City youngster could be an astute piece of business from Postecoglou and save money for investment in other areas of the team.

Who is the other centre-back?

Romano is yet to reveal who the other centre-back is since releasing the podcast episode, but the day before had linked Tottenham with Wolfsburg's Micky van de Ven, so it is possible that the Dutchman is the other defender on the list.

The 22-year-old is currently playing for the Netherlands at the U21 European Championship and has been impressive at the tournament so far.

The left-footed, 6ft3 centre-back has attracted interest from Liverpool as well this summer, and has already spoken about his desire to play at a higher level.

While speaking with HITC (via the Mirror), he said: "Of course, I read everything. I have good contact with my agent, so I know what’s going on. I’ll see where it will lead. Hopefully, (a big transfer after the Euros) would be nice. The Premier League? Maybe, yes."

With Van de Ven ready to make the step-up, Spurs would be foolish not to establish the parameters of a potential deal with Wolfsburg.

Aston Villa reportedly remain interested in Leeds United midfielder Tyler Adams, as Monchi prepares to raise the stakes in his first transfer window at the club.

The Spaniard could equip his fellow countryman with a player that could bolster the squad, as Unai Emery bids for a busy summer of recruiting efficiently ahead of his first full campaign at the helm.

The link between the United States international and the Midlands club came last month, as the Daily Mail named Villa among those interested in poaching the talent from newly relegated Leeds.

Since then, rumours have remained, with news reported by transfer expert Dean Jones via Football FanCast this week revealing the Villans’ plans to launch for the 24-year-old.

Jones stated that the former RB Leipzig whizz is “certainly” a player on Monchi’s “radar”, with any deal set to potentially cost around £25m.

After spending just a year at Elland Road, the midfielder’s time could be up after their relegation to the Championship, with Brighton, Everton and Nottingham Forest listed alongside Villa as those eyeing the ace.

What could Tyler Adams offer to Aston Villa?

Hailed as a “machine” by journalist Wes Rucker, Adams would be a worthy addition to most sides in the league, asserting himself as a strong defensive-minded asset in the engine room.

In 24 appearances, the 24-year-old won an average of six total duels per game, identifying as one of the best-performing defensive midfielders in the Premier League in his debut season, via Sofascore.

As per FBref, the New York-born gem ranked in the top 3% of those in his position in the 2022/23 campaign in terms of tackles per 90, averaging a monstrous 3.72 as well as two blocks and 1.46 interceptions per 90.

His numbers saw him likened to a star player at Villa, who could see one of their top players cloned should Emery opt to duel for the signature of Adams.

Likened by FBref to Boubacar Kamara, the American flexes a strong passing and technical ability as well as displaying how effective he is defensively, highlighted by his pass completion rate of 82.5%.

Villa’s Frenchman recorded a completion rate of 84.8% via FBref, however, attempted an average of fewer passes with 47.66 attempted to the Leeds man’s 56.06 per 90.

In signing Adams, Emery could have two players that are competent ball players and impressive tacklers, in an area of the pitch integral to pulling the strings going forward.

The similarities are evident in their progressive play also, with Kamara averaging an impressive 4.25 progressive passes per 90 to the American’s 5.68 per 90, displaying his comprehensive ability in the middle of the park and suggesting his suitability for Emery’s project.

Hailed as a “monster” by members of the media, Kamara could line up with a second helping of himself should Monchi opt to take the plunge to sign Adams, who could be an individual to take Villa to new heights next term.

Steven Smith’s third century of the series carried Australia to 300, while India bounced back through wristspinner Kuldeep Yadav’s 4 for 68 on debut

The Report by Daniel Brettig25-Mar-2017
Scorecard and ball-by-ball details2:34

Chappell: First thought Kuldeep’s selection was gutsy

Kuldeep Yadav’s left-arm wristspin gave this series yet another unexpected twist, trumping the far more consistent theme of the Australian captain Steven Smith’s batting excellence, as India enjoyed the better of the first day of the decisive fourth Test in Dharamsala.Having reached lunch at a domineering 131 for 1, Australia gave up their last nine wickets for a mere 169, all on a surface that showed itself to be by a distance the most evenly paced of the series. That they did so was down largely to Kuldeep, who was given a key role immediately upon the afternoon’s resumption by the stand-in captain Ajinkya Rahane and responded with a delectable spell that turned the direction of the day.Though Smith motored to his third century of the series – one of only six visiting batsmen to score that many in India – he was left without significant top-order support, and of the rest only Matthew Wade was able to endure for any protracted period. A good indicator of the different nature of play in Dharamsala was that the innings went by without a single recourse to the DRS, in sharp contrast to earlier matches. The new ball in Australian hands looms large as a key to the match.An irony of Kuldeep’s display was that he had come into the side in place of Virat Kohli, who was reduced to drinks duties after concluding that his strained right shoulder was not going to be 100% fit for this match, the last of the Test season. Turning the ball sharply both ways while maintaining an immaculate length and line, Kuldeep recalled the problems created for Australia by another left-arm wristspinner in Sri Lanka last year – Lakshan Sandakan.The Dharamsala pitch offered pace and bounce for both fast men and spinners to exploit, and it was the fresher fingers of Kuldeep that were best able to take full advantage rather than either Ravindra Jadeja or R Ashwin. Bhuvneshwar Kumar, who replaced Ishant Sharma, and Umesh Yadav had both found new-ball movement before Smith took control of proceedings with some help from David Warner.After Rahane lost the toss, Bhuvneshwar’s first ball of the match swerved away from Warner at drivable length. Warner chased it and edged, but the chance was grassed when Karun Nair could get only one hand to it. That incident was a necessary stroke of luck Warner needed after a largely barren series, and after Matt Renshaw was beaten and bowled by a Umesh delivery that straightened down the line, he and Smith were quickly into stride by using the extra pace and bounce offered up by Dharamsala’s hard pitch and thinner atmosphere.1:19

Steven Smith: highest average for a captain v India

Smith wasted little time to get moving, capitalising on any errors in line or length and at one point miscuing a hook at Umesh, so eager was he to get after the bowling. On another day the ball might have plopped into the gloves of Wriddhiman Saha, but here it fell safely.Warner was a little more sluggish after that early chance, covering up in defence to ensure he did not miss any of Bhuvneshwar’s inswingers, and on one occasion cuffing a boundary over the slips when trying to avoid a short ball. The arrival of spin helped Warner build momentum, as the Dharamsala surface offered the odd bit of spin but otherwise played in a friendly fashion in the morning session.Kuldeep was called upon for a pair of overs before the lunch interval, but he too was struck for boundaries as Smith and Warner set a highly promising platform for the tourists.Rahane and his bowlers reset their plans during the interval, focusing on greater economy while encouraging Kuldeep to maintain a full length and test Australia’s batsmen on the drive. Warner seemed preoccupied with trying to cut or force off the back foot, and in trying to do so from a delivery well pitched up, he succeeded only in edging to slip.Shaun Marsh, so stubborn in the second innings in Ranchi, flicked limply at an Umesh delivery and was taken down the leg side cheaply, before Peter Handscomb was out to a lovely piece of bowling from Kuldeep. The ball was tossed up and slower, drifting enough to drag Handscomb’s bat away from his pad and then breaking back through the gap to splay the stumps.Glenn Maxwell thought himself capable of muscling Kuldeep out of the attack and managed one lofted boundary, but he too was unable to be sure of which way the ball was turning. Two balls after reaching the rope, he went back to what he thought was a stock ball and instead found himself beaten and bowled by a googly.Smith’s earlier rapid scoring had slowed, and it was a subdued celebration on reaching three figures. He seemed likely to shepherd Matthew Wade to the tea break, but with five minutes to go edged an Ashwin drifter to slip, the ball after Wade had sneaked a bye from a ball that turned expansively.Pat Cummins, Steve O’Keefe and Nathan Lyon all offered momentary support to Wade, who played sensibly to ensure the visitors at least reached the 300 mark. But Kuldeep’s return to the attack accounted for Cummins, before O’Keefe was run-out by the substitute fielder Shreyas Iyer, who many had expected to be playing in place of Kohli. Needing to win the match to claim the series, India’s selectors had instead gambled on the extra bowler – Kuldeep’s wiles offered the richest of rewards.

Wilfred Mukondiwa, Zimbabwe Cricket’s (ZC) managing director, has retired. Former ICC chief financial officer Faisal Hasnain will take over the role

ESPNcricinfo staff13-Apr-2017Faisal Hasnain, the outgoing chief financial officer of the ICC, is set to become the new managing director of Zimbabwe Cricket (ZC). Hasnain will take over from Wilfred Mukondiwa who will step down from his position in June as he has reached the age of retirement.The ICC announced Hasnain was leaving in December 2016, having worked at the organisation for 12 years over two stints. He has been replaced at the game’s governing body by Ankur Khanna, who was the CFO at an Indian airline. Over the years in his role at the ICC Hasnain worked closely with ZC.”While we regret losing Mr Mukondiwa’s active leadership and guidance, the board is pleased to appoint Mr Hasnain to the role of managing director,” ZC chairman Tavengwa Mukuhlani said. “We believe his impressive résumé, experience and desire to succeed equip him well for the challenges ahead, and we are confident that he will build upon the strong foundation that Mr Mukondiwa is leaving.”Mukondiwa, 64, joined the ZC in 2003, as general manager for human resources and domestic cricket, and over the years has also worked as board secretary and deputy managing director. He has been in the current role since 2012.”I have had an enriching experience at ZC and in the sporting industry in general,” Mukondiwa said. “My tenure was punctuated with various challenges which I believe, if all stakeholders were united and shared a common sense of purpose, are not insurmountable but of a temporary nature. In that regard, it is gratifying to see the player base growing and young players coming into the limelight. This is a positive development for the future.”