The most exhilarating and rapid format of cricket is back for another season of captivating matches and thrilling encounters. This upcoming season of T10 cricket is set to be even more spectacular, kicking off with Season 2 of Zim Afro T10 in Harare.
Over the next four months, the electrifying T10 format will span across Asia, North America, and Africa. The season commences with the return of Zim Afro T10 in Harare from September 21 to 29, with its player Draft scheduled for September 8. Six franchises in Zim Afro have already secured their icon and global superstars as direct signings, preparing to finalize their 15-man squads with an additional 16th player designated as their Global Icon. The squads will include up to six local Zimbabwean players, and the icon and global star could also hail from Zimbabwe.
Australian opener David Warner and the explosive West Indian batter, Carlos Brathwaite, have been signed by Bulawayo Braves Jaguars. Meanwhile, Cape Town Samp Army has acquired England’s David Willey and Dawid Malan, Afghanistan’s Gulbadin Naib, and Qais Ahmed. The Durban Wolves have secured New Zealanders Colin Munro and Mark Chapman, along with Pakistan’s left-handed power hitter Sharjeel Khan and Yasir Shah. Harare Bolts have roped in James Neesham, and Jo’Burg Bangla Tigers have locked in Australian Chris Lynn. The New York Strikers Lagos side have chosen Blessing Mazurabani from Zimbabwe as one of their key players, alongside Thisara Perera (Sri Lanka) and Asif Ali (Pakistan).
Following Zim Afro T10, the season will continue with Season 2 of the US Masters League, Abu Dhabi T10, and the inaugural Lanka T10, concluding in December. Sri Lanka is poised to become the second ICC Full Member nation, after Zimbabwe, to adopt the T10 format. The Lanka T10 is expected to quickly establish itself as a pivotal event on the Sri Lankan cricket calendar, highlighting the fastest and most exciting format of the game.
The coaching lineup features some of cricket’s most respected figures, including Pakistan’s Moin Khan, Sri Lankan Chaminda Vaas, and Englishman Owais Shah. The Durban Wolves have enlisted former Pakistan captain Moin, who has extensive experience coaching the Pakistan national team and serving as a selector. Moin has also been a prominent figure in franchise cricket, leading the Quetta Gladiators since 2016. Under his guidance, the Gladiators have reached three finals and won the Pakistan Super League once.
The NYS Lagos side has made a significant coaching acquisition with Sri Lankan all-rounder Vaas. Known for his prowess with the ball, Vaas has coached various national teams, including New Zealand, Sri Lanka, and Ireland since 2012. The Bulawayo Braves Jaguars have appointed Owais Shah, who has experience with the UAE national team and the Dambulla Viiking in the Lanka Premier League. The Cape Town Samp Army have brought in the highly experienced James Foster, who has coached in numerous franchise leagues worldwide. The Jo’Burg Bangla Tigers have secured Englishman Julian Wood, renowned for his work with top-tier batters. Wood has also had successful stints in the IPL with the Punjab Kings in 2022. The Harare Bolts have entrusted their coaching duties to Pubudu Dassanayake, the Sri Lankan coach who has led the USA, Canadian, and Nepal cricket teams. Under his guidance, Canada achieved a notable victory over Ireland in the T20 WC 2024 pool stage.
