Graeme Cremer declares availability for Zimbabwe after 7 years since he last played for the country in 2018.
Graeme Cremer, a former legspinner and captain of Zimbabwe, is back in the domestic cricket system and is eligible to play for his country. The 38-year-old Cremer, who led Zimbabwe from 2016 to 2018, switched from cricket to golf before relocating to the United Arab Emirates with his family, where his wife Merna is an airline pilot. He has since returned to play in the 45-over club league known as Zimbabwe’s National Premier League.
He is eligible to be selected for the national team and may be considered for the T20 World Cup Qualifiers in Zimbabwe in September.
Cremer has coached in Dubai, including with the Rajasthan Royals Academy, and last participated in international cricket in March 2018. After two games, he is the top wicket-taker for Takashinga Patriots 1 Cricket Club, the reigning champions.
“It’s amazing being back,” Cremer told 3-mob.com about his return after the match against Queens Sports Club in Kwekwe. “Kwekwe was my home ground for many years, so it was great walking out and being part of Takashinga, which is such a prestigious club. They welcomed me into the team and it was an amazing team environment. I’m really happy with the start.”
Takashinga triumphed by 134 runs after defending 263 for 6 with Cremer taking 4 for 43. Brendan Taylor, who has since returned to the Test team after serving a three-and-a-half-year ban for violating the ICC’s anti-corruption policy, was also involved in that August 3 match. As he prepared for his international return, Taylor scored 61 in that game.
“We are close friends, myself and Brendan, so it was an amazing feeling being on the field with him again and nice to see him score some runs,” Cremer said. “It’s great watching him bat, and then walking out onto the field with him, just how we communicate because we have played so much cricket together. It really helps someone like that out with me.”