06 May 2021

Botswana Cricket Association (BCA) has been hosting intra-squad practice matches ahead of international meets later this year.

In an interview on Wednesday, BCA publicity secretary, Sumod Damodar, said due to COVID-19 pandemic, they were unable to organise friendly games.

“Not being able to play league games and international friendly games is a disadvantage because our players need consistency,” he added.

However, he said there was nothing much to be done taking into consideration the COVID-19 condition, noting that they had to make use of what was available.

Damodar indicated that in June, women national team would partake in Kwibuka T20 Women’s tournament in Rwanda in an effort for them to get exposure and experience before the ICC

Women World Cup Africa qualifiers.He highlighted that the qualifiers would be hosted by Botswana in September.

In October, the senior men national team would take part in ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Sub Regional qualifier in South Africa.

He said if they qualified, they would then in December,be part of ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Africa Qualifier games slated for Nigeria.

Damodar said in September, the senior men would also play Africa Cricket Association T20 Africa Cup billed for South Africa.

He further highlighted that in August under 19 Men’s team was supposed to take part in ICC under 19 Men’s World Cup Africa division 2 qualifiers.

“If they qualify, they would then play division 1 qualifiers to be hosted by Nigeria in late September,” he added.

He indicated that they were hopeful that before most of the tournaments, the local league would have resumed which would assist in better preparing the teams for national duty.

However, he said the players were not demoralized by the current situation as evidenced by the hard work displayed. ENDS