[LateCut]

It seems that our boys lack match preparedness. This is probably the most important reason for the repeated failures. We need to make our players play against stronger oppositions over a sustained period of time. Our 1^st-div structure does not provide the opportunity. It has not improved over the years. If we cannot improve our domestic competition we need to think about other schemes to nurture our "talents". For example, consider sending them to play for foreign clubs and counties even if this means that BCB has to subsidize their salaries. We need to find ways to push them into county cricket. Perhaps Klopak Ruling ( http://www.ecb.co.uk/ecb/publications/kolpak-ruling,499,BP.html ) does not apply to us but there must be ways we can make this happen. Zimbabwe has four to six players who are playing at the county level. We can do other things to improve the situation. We could try to participate in international tournaments more often. Play more A-level matches. Without these initiatives we will continue to remain a laughingstock and whipping boy of the world cricket. fficeffice" />