zimcricketnews.com

After a disastrous outing in the 2010 edition of the tournament, The Herald reports that ZC's efforts to prepare for the next edition, to be held in Argentina in 2012, are already underway. U19 team manager Nicholas Singo outlined the process already underway:

"Right now we are in the process of registering players who should then go for trials for the national team. We are going round the country in search of the right resources to work with.

"But we have since written to all the five franchises to release names of capable players for trials and they have already begun to respond to our call. This time the process is different from the traditional selection process in that we are going to have a longer period to assess the boys before the World Cup."

Interestingly, ZC are considering making experience with a franchise side a prerequisite for selection:

"We have made our suggestions to franchises, but we have not agreed on anything. But very soon we hope that would be effected as a prerequisite for one to be in the national team. Because in most countries youngsters are exposed to county cricket before they are introduced to national teams".

The U19 side is looking to arrange as man international tours as possible over the next year, with two separate outings to South Africa - in December 2010 and January 2011 - first on the schedule.

Historically, Zimbabwe have over-performed at U19 level, with the 2010 performance being our worst in the competition for quite some time. With the U19 side being one of the main methods of identifying up-and-coming talent & introducing them to the international game, it's good to see ZC realise that the age-group needs to be treated seriously.
The Herald - Cric technical team opens doors to upcoming players