Zambia Cricket Union receives national development accolade
Tony Munro - 21 May 1999

The Zambia Cricket Union received major recognition for its development programme last month when it was awarded the country's National Sports Council "best youth sports programme" title winner.

The accolade came after development work which has seen seminars in the Eastern Province of the country, 500kms east of the capital, Lusaka, and consolidation of a schools programme which involves 32 schools competing in league under 10, under 13 and under 15 competitions in the Midlands Cricket Association area which includes Lusaka.

There are seven senior clubs in the Midlands Cricket Association, these being Central C.C, Lotus C.C, Colts C.C, Municipals C.C, Metropolitan C.C, and Teachers C.C. The clubs compete in League and Cup matches played over 50 overs in a season which runs from May until November.

Zambia's other main competition is played among eight teams from seven towns which form the Copperbelt Cricket Association.

The towns, and their respective clubs, which are 45-50kms apart are: Chililabombwe (Konkola C.C.), Chingola (Nchanga C.C.), Kitwe (Nkana C.C.), Mufulira (Mufulira C.C.), Ndola (Kanini C.C. and Ndola C.C.), Luanshya (Roan C.C.) and Kalulushi (Power C.C.).

The clubs compete in two competitions, the Saturday League (30 overs) and the Sunday League (40 overs). There is also a 25-over School Cricket League for under 15s and under 19s.