ALL-ROUNDER Antum Naqvi has been picked for the forthcoming T20I series against cricket powerhouse India after renouncing his Belgian passport, NewsDay Sport can reveal.
The Brussels-born Australia-based 25-year-old cricketer has expressed his intention to play for Zimbabwe.
His selection to play for the U25 against Uganda in a T20 series was Zimbabwe Cricket’s seal of approval.
However, the delay in obtaining his Zimbabwean passport, which is the responsibility of the Sports and Recreation Commission (SRC), has been a sticking point.
ZC managing director Givemore Makoni expressed hope that the hard-hitting batsman would obtain his papers in time for the India series.
“Look, Antum is one of the brightest prospects of the game we have witnessed in recent years. His ability is not in question and his commitment for a player of his age is quite commendable,” Makoni told NewsDay Sport.
“He spoke with the bat and ball scoring hundreds for fun and taking wickets regularly. We quickly engaged the player and his father and tied him down for a contract to play for Zimbabwe.
“We have always enjoyed a cordial relationship with the SRC, they are seized with the matter and given the urgency it deserves we are hopeful that they will come right.”
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SRC director-general Eltah Nengomasha confirmed that her office was currently dealing with the matter.
“We are working with Zimbabwe Cricket, the Sports ministry and the relevant authorities and we will advise of the outcome,” Nengomasha said.
Zimbabwe begin a new chapter under former South Africa high-performance batting coach Justin Sammons with a five-T20I series against India next month.
The games are scheduled for July 6, 7, 10, 13 and 14 at Harare Sports Club.
Naqvi, a right-handed batsman, has a decade of first-class matches, scoring an unbeaten 300 and four centuries to his credit.
In List A games, he has played eight, a highest of 146, three centuries and a 50.
The Rhinos captain scored 300 off 295 balls against Tuskers in a Logan Cup match played at Takashinga Cricket Club in Highfield, Harare, in January.
Naqvi, has taken 20 wickets in 12 innings with a best bowling innings performance of 4/22 and match-best of 5/75.
