US-based sports and media company Flash Sports & Media has announced plans to launch a proposed professional franchise T20 competition in Zimbabwe in collaboration with Zimbabwe Cricket, with the league tentatively targeted for an October-November 2026 debut.
The company, which is listed on the Nasdaq under the ticker FLZH, says the proposed Zimbabwe T20 League (ZT20) is part of its strategy to develop and commercialise T20 cricket properties in emerging markets.
Flash Sports & Media is incorporated in Delaware and has listed its corporate headquarters in Tampa, Florida, while operating internationally across several markets. Its cricket portfolio includes involvement in the Lanka Premier League and plans for new franchise competitions in markets including Malaysia, Singapore and Zimbabwe.
The proposed ZT20 is expected to be developed and commercialised through Flash Sports & Media’s subsidiary, Innovative Production Group FZ, LLC (IPG), in collaboration with Zimbabwe Cricket, subject to definitive agreements and required approvals.
The competition is intended to bring together Zimbabwean and international players while creating commercial opportunities around media rights, sponsorship, franchise partnerships, hospitality, licensing and merchandise.
Victoria Falls is currently being considered for the league’s opening ceremony, with matches expected to be staged at Harare Sports Club and in Bulawayo.
However, the proposed launch remains subject to definitive documentation, required approvals, venue availability, player availability, financing and other execution conditions.
Zimbabwe Cricket managing director Givemore Makoni said the proposed league could provide Zimbabwean players with an opportunity to compete alongside international talent while creating new commercial and development opportunities.
“This proposed league has the potential to provide a valuable platform for Zimbabwean players to compete with top international talent and create new opportunities for cricket development, commercial growth, and fan engagement across the country.”
The proposed competition would be franchise-based, with organisers saying they intend to explore the participation of players from Zimbabwe and established T20 markets around the world.
No players have been confirmed for the league at this stage.
The project is also being positioned as a sports-tourism initiative, with Victoria Falls central to the proposed launch plans.
Anil Mohan, founder of The IPG Group, said: “Zimbabwe has many of the ingredients required to become a major T20 cricket destination – passionate fans, strong local talent, iconic venues, and global tourism appeal. With Victoria Falls currently planned as the launch venue, this proposed league is intended to promote cricket while also supporting Zimbabwe’s profile on the global sports and tourism map.”
If successfully launched, ZT20 would add another professional franchise T20 property to Zimbabwe's cricket landscape while giving Flash Sports & Media an entry point into the African market.
Flash Sports & Media chief executive officer Bradley
Nattrass said the proposed league would combine elite competition with media distribution, sponsorship, franchise opportunities and international fan engagement.
The company said it expects to pursue global broadcast and digital distribution, targeting audiences across Africa, Asia, North America, Europe and the Middle East.
However, the October-November 2026 launch remains tentative, and Flash Sports & Media has stressed that there is no guarantee that the league will launch on the proposed timeline or that prospective franchise, player, venue, media and commercial agreements will ultimately be completed.
- Zim Sport Live
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