Chirwa seeks redemption
WHEN Zimbabwe Cricket Under-19 spin bowler Victor Chirwa received news of his suspension from bowling in international cricket, his dreams and aspirations seemed to have gone up in smoke.
At that time, the cricketer was enjoying the experience of representing his country.
He was already fantasising wearing the senior national team colours one day. But the unexpected happened. One match into his debut at the just-ended Under-19 World Cup in West Indies, Chirwa suspended by the International Cricket Council for an illegal bowling action.
For a moment, the 18-year-old left-arm-wrist spinner felt this was the end of his career.
“I always heard other cricketers I used to play with talk about the Under-19 World Cup and how it can open up so many opportunities. I thought I could work very hard and go for a World Cup when the time was right, so it’s something I always thought I could accomplish in my cricket career,” he said.
“And then all of a sudden, I received news of the suspension. I was hurt because it was something I never thought would happen to me and I felt like the opportunity I had dreamt of had gone to waste.”
But, fortunately for Chirwa, the Zimbabwe Under-19 national team coach, Prosper Utseya, had travelled the same road.
Naturally, he was quick to comfort the young
cricketer. “I was told by coach Utseya that it’s just a phase that would slow me down and that it wasn’t the end of my career, as it is something that can be fixed.”
The brief chat with Utseya, who found himself in a similar situation in 2014, helped him pick himself up again.
“During the first days of the ban, I discussed with coach Prosper what could be the way forward, and at first he suggested that I change and start bowling left-arm chinaman (unorthodox spin). Later on, we agreed that I was going to stick to my left-arm orthodoxy and I just need to find a way to keep my arm as straight as possible,” added Chirwa.
“. . . Even though I was suspended, I would help the team with my bowling during our practice sessions and at the same time try and correct what was said to be wrong with my bowling.” He has already started working to correct his bowling action and plans to be part of the Chevrons squad that will host the 2027 World Cup.
“I have to work extra hard for the next three to four months before going back for re-tests, and I am very sure and confident that everything will go well for me . . .
“From now onwards, I think it will just be club cricket and franchise cricket, and I would love to play for the national team in a few years to come . . . ”