3-mob.com 
Zimbabwe will not be part of the setup when the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023 trains roars into India this October and November.
A campaign which held so much promise, punctuated by an enthusiastic hoard of fans came to a crashing end with that loss to Scotland.
It is a Scotland side which has done itself many favours on the international profile. They have now defeated three out of four full member sides in this tournament.
On the day, it was superior application, calmer demeanour and and puncturing determination which set them up for a dance at the big stage come November.
And for Zimbabwe, it is the heartbreak of 2018 all over again. A ground packed, in full voice, cheering from start to end. A team crumbling under pressure.
Except then, it felt like perdition. There seemed to be no way to move forward.
Immediately there was all-out civil war. There were loud accusations of match-fixing, racism, and corruption.
Now, there is more circumspect. The feelings towards Zimbabwe Cricket are healthier. While the internationals may dry up for a bit, unless the teams sitting out have a shout, there is a lot to be optimistic about.
The game has gotten bigger in its following. There is a lot more domestic cricket to be seen, not to mention the Zim Cyber City Zim Afro T10 tournament set for Harare in two weeks’ time.
And for Ervine, he says that the lots of cricket to come will help the players involved move on.
The foundations seem to be in place for development.
Yes, there true concerns around how long the trio of Sean Williams, Craig Ervine and Sikandar Raza can go on. They are real, as they remain the core of the team’s batting exploits.
Ervine quipped earlier in the tournament that there was intent from all of them to be available for the 2027 edition to be co-hosted by Zimbabwe.
But one will wonder if the energy to keep the cleats on will be there.
That said, the cupboard is not empty, even as the drop from them to the rest of the class is a lot. The likes of Joylord Gumbie, Wessly Madhevere, Innocent Kaia and Milton Shumba have shown flashes. This is not to mention interesting prospects like Brian Bennett who showed in his maiden domestic season that he can more than ably hold a bat.
And finally, Dave Houghton has made Zimbabwe fans believe again. He has created new heroes and made the game front and centre of conversations as a force to reckon with.
The dream for 2023 is over.
But this time, it does feel as if there is more to play for.
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