How Zimbabwe and Kenya Can Rise Again in International Cricket
- Khelandaaz
- Mar 24
- 5 min read
There was a time when Zimbabwe and Kenya were considered dangerous opponents in world cricket. They challenged stronger teams, pulled off unexpected victories, and even made deep runs in international tournaments.
Today, their presence in top-tier cricket has faded, and their struggles on and off the field have left them far from their former selves.
But history has shown that cricketing nations can rebuild. The road back is not easy, but with the right approach, both Zimbabwe and Kenya can rise again.
Reviving Domestic Cricket
A strong domestic structure is the backbone of any successful cricketing nation. Without competitive local tournaments, promising players have no platform to develop the skills needed for international cricket.
Zimbabwe and Kenya must invest in making their domestic circuits more professional, structured, and rewarding.
Zimbabwe’s Logan Cup, Pro50 Championship, and T20 competitions must become more competitive, with proper scheduling, better financial support, and stronger player contracts.
Regular tournaments that run without interruptions will give players the experience they need to step up to the international level. Kenya, on the other hand, has seen its domestic system collapse over the years.
The local leagues that once produced world-class cricketers have lost their importance. Reviving them should be a priority, and it starts with ensuring a full-fledged domestic season that includes both multi-day and limited-overs formats. Without a well-functioning domestic league, Kenya’s national team will continue to struggle.
For both nations, school and club cricket must be given more attention. Identifying talent early and providing proper coaching at a young age can make a significant difference.
The rise of Afghanistan cricket is a prime example of how investing in youth development can transform a cricketing nation.
If Zimbabwe and Kenya create clear pathways from school cricket to the senior level, they can build a stronger player base.
Securing More International Matches
One of the biggest challenges for both teams has been the lack of regular international cricket. Without consistent exposure at the highest level, players struggle to adapt to tougher opponents, and teams remain stuck in a cycle of inconsistency.
Zimbabwe, being a Full Member of the ICC, has an advantage over Kenya, as it still participates in Test, ODI, and T20I cricket. However, the team does not get enough matches against the stronger nations.
More bilateral series against top-ranked teams would be beneficial, but these can be difficult to secure.
A realistic approach would be to arrange more matches against teams like Afghanistan, Ireland, and Scotland, nations that have also had to fight for opportunities on the global stage.
For Kenya, the situation is even more challenging. Since losing ODI status, they have struggled to get fixtures against top teams. The first step to revival is regaining ODI and T20I status by performing well in ICC tournaments.
But beyond that, Kenya must actively seek out competitive matches against Associate and lower-ranked full member teams.
Hosting triangular and quadrangular series featuring teams like Nepal, UAE, and Namibia can provide regular game time.
Tournaments like the ICC Cricket World Cup Qualifiers and T20 World Cup Qualifiers are crucial for both teams. Securing spots in global tournaments not only brings financial benefits but also helps players gain valuable experience.
The more Zimbabwe and Kenya participate in high-pressure matches, the more they will improve.
Fixing Administrative and Financial Challenges
A well-managed cricket board is essential for success at the international level. Poor administration has been a major reason behind the decline of Zimbabwean and Kenyan cricket. Issues like corruption, mismanagement, and lack of funding have weakened both teams over the years.
Zimbabwe Cricket has had multiple controversies, including delayed player payments and questionable selections.
Addressing these governance issues is critical. The board must ensure transparency in financial matters, proper distribution of funds, and a clear selection policy based on merit rather than politics.
If players are assured of financial security and a stable career path, they will be more motivated to stay in the system.
Kenya’s cricket administration has faced similar struggles. Infighting, financial mismanagement, and poor leadership have hurt the game’s growth.
Fixing these problems requires a long-term vision, starting with bringing in experienced professionals to manage cricket operations.
Having a clear, structured plan for the development of players, coaching staff, and facilities can put the team back on the right track.
Financial stability is another key factor. Cricket cannot grow without proper investment. Zimbabwe still receives ICC funding, but the board must use these resources wisely to improve domestic cricket and player contracts. Kenya, with its Associate status, gets limited funding, making sponsorships and government support crucial.
Attracting sponsors by marketing the game better and improving fan engagement can help secure the financial backing needed for long-term progress.
Creating a Winning Mentality
Talent and resources alone are not enough, mentality plays a huge role in international cricket. Teams that believe they can win, even against stronger opponents, often perform above expectations. Zimbabwe and Kenya need to instil this mindset in their players.
Zimbabwe has shown flashes of brilliance in recent years, including victories against top teams in white-ball cricket. However, inconsistency has held them back.
The players need to develop the mental toughness required to compete at the highest level. Having experienced coaches and mentors who have played international cricket can help in this regard.
Kenya’s decline has been more severe, but the solution is the same. The team needs strong leadership and a core group of players who can guide younger talents. Having a long-term captain and coach who builds a team culture based on hard work, discipline, and self-belief will be crucial.
One way to build confidence is by winning more matches, even at the Associate level.
Consistently performing well against teams like Scotland, Netherlands, and Oman will help Kenya regain momentum.
Once players start believing in their ability to win, it becomes easier to compete at the highest level.
Fitness and training standards must also improve. Modern cricket demands players who are physically strong, agile, and capable of playing high-intensity matches.
Both Zimbabwe and Kenya must ensure their training programs match international standards. Investing in strength and conditioning coaches, as well as sports psychologists, can help players handle pressure situations better.
Zimbabwe and Kenya’s cricketing journeys have seen highs and lows, but their future is still in their hands.
The path to revival is not simple, but with a strong domestic system, regular international cricket, better administration, and a determined mindset, they can rebuild their status in world cricket. The road back will take time, but the game is never short of surprises, and a resurgence for these two nations is still possible.
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