A recent report suggests that Gary Ballance, an English batsman, is expected to represent Zimbabwe after quitting the England setup. Ballance was reprimanded by the England cricket board because of his inclusion in the racism issue. Early this year, the ICC received the paperwork requesting Ballance to be transferred to the African country. The Daily Mail stated that Ballance was awaiting the conclusion of the ECB’s hearing into claims of racism. Ballance earlier had admitted to calling his former Yorkshire team-mate Azeem Rafiq with a racist slur.
Reports by Sportsmail suggest, “Gary Ballance could turn his back on England by making a bombshell international comeback for Zimbabwe”. Furthermore, the report said, “Paperwork regarding the 32-year-old switching his allegiance from England to the south-eastern African nation was submitted to the International Cricket Council (ICC) earlier this year. A couple of months before he was charged by the ECB in June for his part in the Yorkshire racism scandal. The paperwork was not submitted by Ballance.”
Gary Ballance could represent Zimbabwe in the 2023 World Cup
Ballance was born and grew up in Zimbabwe. Before relocating to England in 2006 at the age of 16 in search of better opportunities, he participated in five games for the national U19 squad. Ballance would have to terminate his county contract with Yorkshire if he chooses to play cricket in Zimbabwe. His contract runs through the end of the 2024 season. State clubs are only permitted to have two foreign players in their squads for any format under English county regulations. Additionally, after his transfer, Ballance will not be considered a local player.
In order for a player to be eligible, there needs to be a least 3-year gap between his appearances for two distinct national teams. In Ballance’s case, this requirement has already been met because he last played for England in 2017. If Zimbabwe makes it to the ODI World Cup in India next year, Ballance may be able to represent them.
