Sports

Zim Afro T10 organisers address corruption doubts

Published

2 years ago

July 22, 2023

Spread the love

Harare: Organisers of the Zim Cyber City Zim Afro T10 have assuaged cricket fans about the integrity of the tournament ahead of its July 20 debut without compromising on the entertainment quotient in Harare, where some of the most exciting names in white-ball cricket have descended.
Organised by Zimbabwe Cricket along with T Ten Global Sports, it is the first tournament of its kind in the continent of Africa. Zimbabwe Cricket chairman Tavengwa Mukuhlani gave his nod to what is a new journey in the history of Zimbabwe as well as African cricket in general.

ALSO READ: Stars descent in Harare for Zim Afro T10 League bow

“The Zim Cyber City Zim Afro T10 tournament, which is the first in Africa, the glamour and the opportunity around it with the international cricketers that are there, we thought it was a good opportunity for us and Zimbabwe cricket in a quest to rebuild and reposition ourselves in the arena of global cricket. It is a great opportunity for us to have this tournament here and everyone, the technical staff, players and even the fans and media, are all excited about,” said Mukuhlani.
Yet, there are questions about the integrity of the tournament with events mushrooming in distant parts of the world, and Mukuhlani addressed them with a straight bat. “Integrity is of top priority in any tournament, whether it is club cricket or bilateral cricket. And it’s no less for this tournament. We have gone through a whole process of due diligence, prior to licensing T10, and that involves working together with the integrity unit at the ICC.
“T10 is in its sixth year and the integrity checks have been put into place and addressed and we are working with the ICC Integrity Unit and our own security systems in Zimbabwe to ensure that the integrity of the game is not jeopardised. We can assure you we are doing everything to ensure the fans and players enjoy the game properly.”

Zimbabwe Cricket chairman Tavengwa Mukuhlani, Zim Cyber City CEO Tendayi Hlupo-Mamvura and T10 franchise brand owner Shaji-ul-Mulk. Supplied photo

Adding to that, Mr Shaji Ul Mulk, chairman T-Ten Sports, said, “T10 when it first started needed to be sanctioned by the ICC. So, we took a conscious call that the integrity and anti-corruption contract to monitor would be given to the ICC themselves. For the last 6 years, in Abu Dhabi, the entire contract has been with the ICC, and even this year it is with the ICC for the Zim Cyber City Zim Afro T10, the Zimbabwe cricket board, who themselves have a robust system in place are working on it as well. We have a zero-tolerance policy on corruption.”
The T10 format, the most explosive in the game of cricket, is the brainchild of Shaji Ul Mulk and originated from the UAE. “In our quest to become global, Zimbabwe is our first stop. We go to the US from here, then back to Abu Dhabi, and then Sri Lanka and then India after that. For us, it is about investing in the domestic structure all over and here in Zimbabwe we have conducted a grassroot school tournament and selected some of the good players for scholarships. We have also conducted a player development programme, and five of them will be inducted into the Zim Cyber City Zim Afro T10 squads,” he added.
Mulk also hinted that introducing the T10 format to women’s cricket was also in the pipeline, with Zimbabwe and Sri Lanka as possible destinations.

<blockquote class=”twitter-tweet”><p lang=”en” dir=”ltr”>And there are cheerleaders here at the <a href=”https://twitter.com/ZimAfroT10?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw”>@ZimAfroT10</a> <a href=”https://twitter.com/zimafrot10_fans?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw”>@zimafrot10_fans</a> <a href=”https://twitter.com/hashtag/CricketsFastestFormat?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw”>#CricketsFastestFormat</a> <a href=”https://twitter.com/hashtag/KwiriTravels?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw”>#KwiriTravels</a> <a href=”https://t.co/84SGdtQgQl”>pic.twitter.com/84SGdtQgQl</a></p>— larry kwirirayi ✍🎬 (@kwirirayi) <a href=”https://twitter.com/kwirirayi/status/1682399569106141184?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw”>July 21, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src=”https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js” charset=”utf-8″></script>

Related Topics:Africa corruption cricket format franchise ICC League Sports world Zim Afro T10 Zimbabwe

Staff Reporter

Events

BIFA holds inaugural Council Meeting in UAE, sets roadmap to reshape global football diplomacy

Published

16 hours ago

November 13, 2025

Michael Gomes

Spread the love

The BRICS International Football Alliance (BIFA) held its first-ever Council Meeting at the BIFA+ Global Headquarters in the UAE, marking a milestone in its mission to advance football diplomacy and cooperation across the Global South.

The session, attended by official representatives from China, underscored the strengthening partnership between the UAE and the People’s Republic of China in promoting sports, cultural, and technological exchange under the BIFA & BIFA+ framework.

Held under the theme “Deepening Sports Synergy and Promoting Diversified Development,” the meeting reviewed BIFA’s achievements since its establishment and outlined a bold strategic roadmap for 2026–2027, driving collaboration among BRICS and BRICS+ nations.

2026: BRICS Football International Village to debut in UAE

Next year, BIFA+ will launch the BRICS Football International Village at its UAE headquarters, an integrated “sports, culture, health, and innovation” hub designed to foster collaboration and showcase the spirit of the Global South.

The initiative will connect regional headquarters in the UAE, China, Russia, Brazil, India, and South Africa, and feature cultural exhibitions, AI innovation forums, and the BRICS Football Cup Invitational Tournament, culminating in the BIFA+ Global Launch Ceremony in the UAE.

2027: China to host expanded BRICS Cup activities

In 2027, as China hosts the BRICS Summit, the country will also welcome the BRICS Cup Football Tournament, bringing together champion city teams from across member nations.

Ms. Wang Min, Chair of BIFA China, said the tournament will blend “Football + Urban Culture + New Media” – using digital storytelling and live engagement to make the BRICS Cup a globally recognised cultural sporting event.

A global platform for unity and innovation

BIFA’s development strategy is built around its “three-wheel drive”, sports, culture, and technology, ensuring sustainable growth and collaboration among BRICS nations.

Salem Almazaini, Founder and President of BIFA & BIFA+, said: “From our headquarters in the UAE, BIFA will use football as a vessel to deepen cooperation among BRICS and BRICS+ nations across sports, culture, health, and digital innovation.”

Founded under the guidance of Larisa Zelentsova, President of the International Alliance of BRICS Strategic Projects (Russia), BIFA continues to grow as a bridge between nations, using football as a language of diplomacy and sustainable development.

News

Abu Dhabi T10 launches Super Fan Contest promising fans experiences of a lifetime

Published

16 hours ago

November 13, 2025

Michael Gomes

Spread the love

Cricket fever is about to hit new highs. As the 2025 Abu Dhabi T10 gears up for another electrifying season, organisers have rolled out a new Super Fan Contest, a golden opportunity for UAE cricket lovers to win experiences money can’t buy.

Think masterclasses with cricket legends, serving as ball kids, photo ops with top players, signed gear, and even free match tickets.

“This will galvanise community participation locally and give us yet another opportunity to showcase this incredible emirate,” said Matt Boucher, CEO of Abu Dhabi Cricket & Sports Hub.

“We’re thrilled to announce the Super Fan Contest, which reflects our commitment to supporting cricket at the grassroots level.”

Shaji Ul Mulk, Chairman of T10 Sports Management, added, “For any cricket fan, being close to their favourite players is unmatched. This contest is all about elevating the fan experience and celebrating the excitement that defines T10 cricket.”

The 2025 Abu Dhabi T10 kicks off on November 18 and runs until November 30, promising high-octane clashes, thrilling finishes, and unforgettable moments.

The opening night sets the tone with Quetta Qavalry vs. Northern Warriors, followed by a showdown between the defending champions, Deccan Gladiators, and Delhi Bulls.

Fans can keep an eye on the official Abu Dhabi T10 social media pages for entry details and a shot at these once-in-a-lifetime experiences.

Sports

FIFA disciplinary action: UAE official, Qatari player, and Saudi federation fined after World Cup qualifiers

Published

6 days ago

November 7, 2025

Michael Gomes

Spread the love

Things got heated during the UAE vs Qatar World Cup qualifier, and FIFA isn’t letting it slide.

Following the fiery 2026 World Cup qualifier on October 14, FIFA’s Disciplinary Committee has announced a series of suspensions and fines targeting officials and players from both sides.

Matar Obaid Saeed Mesfer Al Dhaheri, supervisor of the UAE national team, has been hit with a 16-match suspension and a 10,000 Swiss franc fine (Dh45,500) after being found guilty of unsporting behaviour and physical assault against the match referee.

Two-match ban for Qatar

Over on the Qatari side, Tarek Salman has received a two-match ban and a 5,000 Swiss franc fine (Dh22,750) for dangerous play during the same match.

The match itself ended in a 2–1 win for Qatar, securing their qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, while the UAE continues its campaign with crucial playoff matches against Iraq to keep their World Cup dream alive.

Breach of disciplinary code

In a separate decision, FIFA fined the Saudi Arabian Football Federation 11,500 Swiss francs for breaches of its disciplinary code after fans lit fireworks during Saudi Arabia’s 0–0 draw with Iraq, a result that booked Saudi Arabia’s place in the tournament.

For context, the UAE Football Association has also been enforcing stricter discipline internally. Earlier this year, it suspended players Khalid Al Dhanhani and Sultan Adel for five matches each and fined them Dh500,000 for misconduct during a national team camp.

Together, these measures underline the zero-tolerance stance of FIFA and the UAE FA when it comes to professionalism and player conduct during critical World Cup qualifying stages.

Source: KT/GN