The venue for the practice match between Bangladesh and the Zimbabwe XI is the Interfin Bank High Performance Centre, more popularly known as the Academy.
Alistair Campbell, the former Zimbabwe captain, is now the chairman of the cricket committee at Zimbabwe Cricket (ZC) and is the brains behind this remodelled centre after it was burned down by Mark Vermeulen in 2006.
“Basically we’ve decided to put a lot of investment into the HP centre. It’s a much needed cog in the wheel to facilitate proper player pathways,” said Campbell.
It is mostly similar to the academies run by cricket boards across the world but since work has started just six months ago, it is yet to become a fully functional residential camp. It has several indoor and outdoor nets where all age-group teams in the country prepare themselves.
Many of Zimbabwe’s former national players are involved while former New Zealand all-rounder Chris Harris is heading the Under-19 team.
Robin Brown, Paul Martin are the resident coaches, Doug Higgins is the groundsman while David Mutundera takes care of the Under-14s. Wayne James, the former wicketkeeper, is part of the Bulawayo camp alongside the original brainchild of the Academy — Dave Houghton.
Apart from it being Zimbabwe’s seat of cricketing development, the academy also has the responsibility to develop a proper culture of the game.
“That’s where we’ve been neglecting it. We’ve been allowing it to develop naturally in schools and not paying professional attention, as we do now,” said Campbell, adding that coaches are sent across the country to identify talents.
There’s also a “Reach for the Stars” programme where ZC invites kids to come to the grounds and play. “At least 99 per cent are here to have fun but we have proper coaches here who can grab the one who’s really good,” he said.
One of the most recognisable faces in Zimbabwe, Campbell is one of the firsts to arrive at the grounds when the team are playing. His return after the troubles of the past decade has heralded a much-needed change in the country’s cricket.
“Six months ago, there was nothing here. No pavilion, overgrown grass, etc. It’s amazing that if you pay attention in six months, you can make a difference,” he said.
All of these changes beg the question of the importance of cricket in Zimbabwe.
“It is hugely important. As far as the economic crisis we’ve gone through in the last ten years. Cricket is very much a nation builder. The players realise that.
“At the Harare Sports Club, you’ll see the multi-cultural diversity there. The brands are getting involved in cricket. There’s appetite from corporate Zimbabwe for cricket,” said Campbell.
-With The Daily Star input
