Zimbabwe Cricket development manager Givemore Makoni says domestic cricket should be played all year round because the country has the ‘best’ weather for cricket.

Makoni spoke to Sports Zone immediately after the release of the Domestic season dates and emphasized the importance of giving players more game time.

The 2016/17 season will run for nine months.

“Action starts with the Zimbabwe Premier league on November 13 and then the Logan Cup on November 22.

“We will have the 50 over List A competition in winter from May to July.

“We have the best weather for cricket here in Zimbabwe and the game can be played in winter,” said Makoni.

“The idea is to give players more game time so this time the domestic season will be played for nine months.”

The season will run till August next year and has also seen the national under 19 team being drafted in the 50 over competition as part of their next ICC Cricket World Cup preparations.

“We only have a two –year circle to prepare for the Under 19 World Cup and it is important these players get as much match practice as possible.

“Their matches are however, not classified as List A matches, but they are there to give the young players practice,” said Makoni.

“This time we have 12 weeks of the Logan Cup, 12 of the List A games, 18 weeks of the ZPL and two-Twenty 20 competitions,” Makoni said.

Mashonaland Eagles, the holders of all the three domestic competitions trophies will begin their Logan Cup defence with a home fixture against Matabeleland Tuskers at Old Hararians on November 22.

On the same day MidWest Rhinos will host the Mountaineers at Kwekwe Sports Club.