Graeme Cremer Returns to Zimbabwe Cricket After Seven-Year Hiatus

HARARE, Zimbabwe — Former captain Graeme Cremer has made a stunning return to the Zimbabwe national cricket team after a seven-year absence. The 39-year-old leg-spinner is part of the 15-member squad for the upcoming T20I series against Afghanistan, set to begin on October 29.

Cremer had stepped away from international cricket in 2018 when he moved to the United Arab Emirates with his family. He took on coaching roles during this time, including overseeing the girls’ development program at Legends Academy in Dubai.

After a conversation with former Zimbabwe teammate Brendan Taylor, Cremer decided to come back to the sport he loves. “Brendan was coming back from his three-year ban, and he said, ‘We have two or three years left, max,’” Cremer explained. “I had been watching a lot, and I still have that fire in my belly.”

His return was welcomed by Zimbabwe Cricket, which has been seeking to bring experienced players back into the fold due to a young and inexperienced team. “I was quite surprised how encouraging Zimbabwe Cricket was towards me,” he said.

Cremer had recently played club cricket in Zimbabwe, which helped him regain his form. He noted, “I felt rusty at first but was glad to get 13 matches under my belt. It allowed me to get back and feel for myself that I could actually do it.”

The Zimbabwean team, led by captain Sikandar Raza, is gearing up for three T20 matches against Afghanistan on October 29, 31, and November 2. Zimbabwe is also preparing for the upcoming T20 World Cup in 2026.

Reflecting on his unexpected return, Cremer expressed excitement about the future: “Initially it’s nice to be back in the squad, and I can’t wait for my opportunity to play. The biggest target after that is the T20 World Cup and maybe the 50-over World Cup in 2027. That would be a fairy-tale ending if it were to happen.”