Batsman Ballance exits English side Yorkshire to j...

Batsman Ballance exits English side Yorkshire to join Zim cricket

Zim Now Writer

England batsman Gary Ballance has agreed a two-year deal to play international cricket for his country of birth, Zimbabwe, after he was released from his contract with English county side Yorkshire.

The 33-year-old Zimbabwe-born player has spent a year on the sidelines while dealing with mental health issues. At one time, he admitted to using racist language against former club teammate Azeem Rafiq, which had led to his suspension.

Ballance played for Zimbabwe at the Under-19 Cricket World Cup in 2006 before moving to England.

His last senior outing for Yorkshire came against eventual champions Warwickshire in September last year, scoring 58 and 21 at Headingley.

“On a personal level, I have gone through a challenging period and after much discussion, I decided, together with my family, that it would be right to make a change.

“I asked the club if it was willing to release me from my contract, and I am grateful for its understanding as we have reached an agreement.

“The support Yorkshire has given me off the pitch over the past year has been fantastic and I am appreciative of the club’s help, but I hope that my decision will mean that my career can have a fresh start.

“I’m thrilled to be joining Zimbabwe Cricket and can’t wait to start work with some great coaches and talented players,” Ballance said.

Meanwhile, Hamilton Masakadza, Zimbabwe Cricket’s director of cricket, has said they are thrilled to have the player back home.

“We are elated to have Gary, an immensely talented and experienced cricketer, back home where it all started for him.

“He is a great addition to our domestic and international set-up and we are looking forward to him making a massive difference for us,” said Masakadza.