MCC v Zanzibar Stars - match report

by Lt. Col Tim Lerwill (Tour Manager)

‘Colonial’ grounds designed and nurtured by decades of British rule have succumbed to neglect and disinterest. Today they are distinguished solely by their obvious pavilions that still dominate the surrounding fields.

Undeterred, however, a group of enthusiasts, energized by the British Deputy High Commissioner – Mr. Tony Brennan, and passionate about playing the game were determined that the opportunity to play the MCC was the very best chance to re-ignite interest in cricket on the island.

Accordingly, none of the old colonial pitches were used; instead an artificial strip was temporarily laid in the middle of the Amaan Football Stadium in order better to accommodate the crowds and the number of very senior spectators.

The programme was driven by the Deputy Minister for Sport, Mr. Kombo, and the game played in front of the Deputy Chief Minister and Minister for Sport, the Minister for Land & Agriculture – the Guest of Honour, various other Government Ministers and around 300 spectators.

Upping the run rate

The standard of the Zanzibar Stars was not expected to be high as no-one had played for a considerable time and the MCC was invited to bat first.

In glaring sunlight and temperatures of 30°C the MCC progressed comfortably for 8 overs when the Zanzibarians, due to Ramadan and thus weakened by lack of sustenance, requested that the game be reduced to 15/15, leaving the MCC much to do to accelerate the run rate.

High scoring: MCC's Tim Percival Led by Tim Percival (48), the MCC reached 133 for 5. In reply the Zanzibar Stars reached 76 for 8 displaying some cultured strokes, some lusty blows and determination against the MCC bowling attack which were all given the opportunity to acclimatise by the Tour Captain, Michael Foster.

Rebirth of cricket

With the game over, there were addresses by the Guest of Honour, Mr. Kombo, the DHC, and presentations to players much to the enjoyment of the spectators.

The occasion was a highly significant and successful one for the rebirth of cricket in Zanzibar. The Government, at the highest of levels, has been converted and there is no doubt that, the immediate engagement with the Zanzibarian youth will reap enormous benefit.

It was most apt, therefore, that Mr. Cassim Suleiman, the ICC Director of the African Cricket Union attended as guest of the Tanzania Cricket Association as he was most encouraged by all that he saw and immediately discussed the way ahead with Ministers and sportsmen and has organised the delivery of playing resources for the 8-13, 13-17 and adult age groups.

The outcome of the match was never in doubt: the outcome of the occasion was and the MCC is to be applauded for its “reach” in helping to develop the global game and particularly for being instrumental yesterday in launching Zanzibar cricket.

The MCC Players feel humbled by what they saw and helped to achieve and the Tour is up and running with an enormous swell of team spirit.