Graeme Cremer Returns as Zimbabwe Announce T20I Squad for Tri-Series

Veteran spinner Graeme Cremer has been recalled to Zimbabwe's T20I squad for the upcoming tri-series against South Africa and Namibia, marking his first international appearance in the format since the T20 World Cup in February.

The 39-year-old has recovered from a left-arm injury and has been named in Zimbabwe's 15-member squad, which will be led by allrounder Sikandar Raza.

Fast bowler Richard Ngarava has been left out as he continues his recovery from a lower-back injury. Ngarava, who serves as Zimbabwe's Test and ODI captain, is being closely monitored ahead of the team's upcoming assignments.

Tanaka Chivanga will also miss the tri-series after undergoing surgery for an Achilles tendon injury.

Cremer made his return to international cricket at the T20 World Cup earlier this year after a seven-year absence from the Zimbabwe side. However, a left-arm injury ruled him out of selection following the tournament. His return provides Zimbabwe with experience and an additional spin option for the upcoming competition.

Batter Brendan Taylor has also been omitted from the squad after failing to feature in Zimbabwe's T20I series against Bangladesh and India earlier this year. Taylor last played a T20I against Oman at the T20 World Cup but remains part of Zimbabwe's Test setup. He featured in the team's most recent Test, a one-off match against Bangladesh in June.

Zimbabwe will begin their tri-series campaign against Namibia and South Africa on August 28 in Windhoek. The tournament will follow a double round-robin format, with the top two teams advancing to the final on September 6.

Ngarava's recovery will remain an important focus for Zimbabwe, with the pacer expected to return to captain the team in their ODI series against Australia in September if he regains full fitness.

Zimbabwe are also expected to travel to the UAE in November for a series against Afghanistan, comprising two Tests and three ODIs, following their Australia assignment.

Zimbabwe squad for T20I tri-series

Sikandar Raza (captain), Brian Bennett, Ryan Burl, Graeme Cremer, Ben Curran, Brad Evans, Innocent Kaia, Wessly Madhevere, Tadiwanashe Marumani, Wellington Masakadza, Kundai Matigimu, Blessing Muzarabani, Dion Myers, Newman Nyamhuri, Tafadzwa Tsiga.