zimcricketnews.com

The Independent has an interview today with former Zim captain Heath Streak, in which Streak comments on the current state of cricket in Zimbabwe and notably does not rule out his future involvement - although he accepts that his playing days at international level are probably behind him. Highlights include his thoughts on domestic standards:

“We probably need to streamline domestic first-class cricket so as to have fewer teams but high-level cricket. We need to raise the quality of domestic cricket.”

...and what is needed to get the side back to being ready for Test cricket:

“I think they are quite comfortable playing ODI and Twenty20 cricket… Zim has always been competitive in ODIs. It will take a while to get back to the top level again. It won’t happen overnight. You need high quality coaching at the top. You need to have your back-up staff: sports psychologists, fitness trainers and specialist coaches. You need to have access to these professionals. We don’t have as much compared to, say, England or Australia, but we need to take advantage of what we can provide.”

As mentioned, he doesn't rule out future involvement with ZC - although his ICL contract, which runs until 2010, may get in the way of any involvement unless the BCCI and ICL can resolve their differences:

“At the moment my priority is my contractual obligation in the ICL, but if something of that sort comes up, I will look at it and see where things go from there. Look, I would want to give back to Zimbabwe cricket what it gave me. My country has always come first in everything I do. There is a lot I can do and I’m hopeful for the future of the game here. I also want my boy (four-year old son Harry) to have a future in cricket here.”

He also back those who say that Zimbabwe's "isolation" by certain countries should end, now that the unity government is in place:

“Maybe because of this unity government people will look at us in different light. Security is not an issue here compared to Sri Lanka. You can’t put us in the same bracket with such countries. I understand that in the past these boycotts to Zimbabwe were based on moral and political issues. But I would like to see these countries changing their stance by helping cricket in Zimbabwe. It’s a wonderful opportunity for them to build relationships with African people. It’s good for the morale of the people of Zimbabwe and for cricket.”

Hear, hear. There's plenty more in the full interview, which can be found on the Independent's website.
Zimbabwe Independent - Streak Ready to Give Back to Zim Cricket