India has supported Zimbabwe for quite a long time: Chris Mpofu [Exclusive Interview]

Cricket fans who watched the 2011 World Cup live might have danced just like Christopher Bobby Mpofu once in their lifetime. The man with a big smile and an even bigger heart sat down for a chat before the start of the T20 World Cup.

He opened up about making his debut at a very young age and bowling to some of the top players in English cricket. Chris shared his personal bond with Zimbabwe legend Heath Streak and the messages he sent to him just a week before Streak sadly passed away.

He reflected on his international career and highlighted some of the key matches that shaped his journey in cricket. Mpofu also shared his thoughts about cricketers who left Zimbabwe due to political unrest. He also offered his insights about the ongoing T20 World Cup and Zimbabwe missing out on it. 

Excerpts:

Please tell us about your early days in cricket and who inspired you the most to take up fast bowling.

I've got a lot of people who inspired me, but one of the most important is Heath Streak. He did a lot for me as a person and made me love the game. People like Pommie Mbangwa, who is now a commentator, also inspired me to be where I am today.

I remember hating cricket with a passion initially. But watching the World Cup in England, especially the game between Zimbabwe and South Africa, changed that. Another memorable game was Zimbabwe versus India when Henry Olonga took three wickets. That match made me love the game and inspired me to become a bowler. I believed bowlers enjoyed the game more until I grew up and realised they often faced the most pressure.

If I had to start my career now, I would definitely be a batter. The reason is that nowadays, batters have a significant advantage: the grounds are getting smaller, the bats are getting bigger, and everything favors the batters. While it might seem easier, it also challenges bowlers to showcase their skills more. As a bowler, you can't hide; it pushes you to be ahead in terms of skill.

Talk to us about the day when you made your international debut against England.

I was very young when I made my debut, and to be honest, I wasn't ready for international cricket at that moment. It was a tough time for Zimbabwe cricket, with many experienced players leaving. I was one of the few young guys who came in later, and I started playing international games before I had even played ten List A games.

I wasn't feeling any pressure because I was told about my debut only four days before the match. Everything happened very quickly, and I didn't have time to be scared. I had just come back from the cricket academy in Brisbane and had played a few games against Namibia with the Zimbabwe A side. I performed well, and suddenly, I was called to represent the national team. Before that, I was supposed to join the Zimbabwe Under-19s for a tour in South Africa, but things changed, and I ended up joining the national team.

Even when I made the squad, I didn't think I would play the first game. I remember calling my mother and telling her to watch me on TV, which was something she never imagined. It was an amazing experience.

What would you say are the highlights of your international career with Zimbabwe?

There have been quite a few. One of the best moments was being part of the team that beat Australia in 2007 in South Africa. It was a T20 game, and that day was unforgettable for me. Another memorable moment was when we went to Sri Lanka in 2017 and won a one-day series 3-2. No Zimbabwean team had ever won there before, not even the teams with big names like Heath Streak and Andy Flower. Being part of the team that achieved that was incredible, and it's something I'll always be proud to tell my children and grandchildren about. Another highlight was the tri-series against Bangladesh and Afghanistan, a T20 series where Hamilton Masakadza was playing his last game for Zimbabwe. I performed well in that series, becoming the man of the match with four wickets in the game.

What impact did Heath Streak make in your cricketing career?

I could talk about Heath Streak all day. He did a lot for me, despite things in his life that I can't control. He was one of the first to support me when I started playing cricket, even giving me my first pair of cricket boots. When he became the coach, he believed in me and helped me get back into the team. He wasn't just like a brother to me; he played a fatherly role. He always picked me up when things weren't going well.

There are many things I could mention. For example, when I bowl, I always point my left arm’s little finger up, just like I saw him do. He was a great cricketer, getting over 200 Test wickets, which is amazing considering Zimbabwe doesn't play many Test matches. He gave me valuable advice: "Never try to please anyone in this game. Don't prove anyone wrong; prove yourself right." This is something I always remember and live by whenever I play.

What was your last conversation with Heath Streak?

It was just a week before Heath passed away that I sent him a message. I was trying to keep him strong, and he assured me he was going to get better. I still have those messages on my phone. Sometimes, I wake up thinking I might hear from him, but then I remember it's not a dream; it's reality. He was like a father figure. It was God's will that he had to go, but I was glad I got the chance to say goodbye. Seeing so many people come to pay their respects at his funeral showed what a great man he was. Heath was someone I will always cherish and remember.

You were the second-highest wicket-taker for Zimbabwe in the ODI World Cup 2011. What's your best memory from that campaign?

The 2011 World Cup was one of the best experiences of my career. I tried to enjoy myself as much as possible, being part of such a great team. When we faced Australia, I told myself that I had nothing to lose and that they were the ones under pressure.

I remember bowling well in that match, taking three wickets for 50 runs on a flat wicket. I opened the bowling with Raymond Price, who was spinning from the other end. At one point, Australia was around 38 runs after 12 overs, which was quite an achievement against such a strong lineup with players like Shane Watson. They didn't score more than 250, but unfortunately, we didn't bat well that day.

One of my favorite memories from that World Cup was running out Ricky Ponting. He was so frustrated that he went to the changing room and smashed the TV. It's moments like these that remind me how even the best players can be rattled.

You were dropped from the side in the next World Cup. What motivated you to fight this setback?

I firmly believe that life was never meant to be easy, and my career reflects that. Throughout my journey, I've faced numerous setbacks and have been dropped from the team multiple times. But I've always believed that you're never truly out. In 2015, many people said my career was over, but I knew that only I could determine my destiny by picking myself up. Even now, at 39, I still play Legends League and bowl as fast as I can, enjoy every moment. I may not be playing international cricket, but I can still compete at a high level without any hindrances.

What keeps me going is the fight within me. Whenever I get an opportunity, I seize it and fight back. Seeing others succeed has always motivated me to push harder. Whenever I was dropped, I viewed it as a chance to work even harder. I don't blame anyone for my setbacks; instead, I see them as opportunities to prove myself right, not to prove others wrong. Every time I'm dropped, I take it as an opportunity to go out, work harder, and fight again. That's how I live my life, like a soldier ready to battle another day.

Can you talk to us about the third ODI between Zimbabwe and Afghanistan in 2017?

I recall (Mohammad) Shahzad was by the changing room, cheering his team on, saying, "Come on, boys, 20 more to win." They were on the brink of making history, as they hadn't won a series in Zimbabwe. We were completely out of the game, with plenty of overs to go and just 20 runs needed. I think (Brandon) Taylor was the captain then. He handed me the ball, and (Sean) Williams was bowling at the other end. Williams took three wickets, and I took four. Suddenly, things turned around, and we won the game. Even now, when you tell people that a team needed 20 runs with seven wickets in hand and still lost, they can hardly believe it.

You had once conceded 59 runs in a three-over spell against South Africa in T20Is. After that match, you believed it might be your last international match. Why did this thought cross your mind?

It's one of those experiences you don't want to dwell on, but they do shape you in a way. If I hadn't faced those tough times where I went for plenty of runs, I don't think I would be where I am today. It was one of the hardest games I've had. Some balls would go for six, barely passing the fielder by an inch, making me think, "That could have been an out." It wasn't the best of times, but it taught me resilience. You always want to bounce back.

I remember vividly going back to South Africa in 2019. I had an amazing T20, but earlier, I went for 59 runs in three overs. It's a game where you can't let the negatives affect you too much. I actually appreciate those moments now. Going for 59 runs was a lot back then, but these days, it's not uncommon. It made me question myself and my abilities, but it also pushed me to become a better player and bowler.

You played a massive role in the comeback Test match against Bangladesh. How did it feel playing a Test match after six long years? Do you wish to have played more Tests?

It was an incredible experience, being the senior bowler in that squad. I had two young bowlers with me, Jarvis and Vittori, who were both very talented. We formed a strong bowling unit alongside Elton, who was our all-rounder. Leading those youngsters and making an impact in front of our home crowd was truly special. I have fond memories of that game and how we performed as a team.

I've always been a fan of Test cricket, but as T20 cricket gained popularity, I found a new love for it. Test cricket tests your patience and skills, while T20 cricket is more of a mental game, requiring quick thinking and strategy. Although I wish I had played more test matches for Zimbabwe, injuries held me back at times. Despite that, I cherish the moments I had in both formats of the game.

In the last few years, Zimbabwe cricket has faced a lot of challenges. Do you think the lack of support from big cricket-playing nations is one of the reasons behind this?

I always feel that the top teams in international cricket play a crucial role for Zimbabwe. We've been fortunate to have nations like India supporting us for a long time. More programs could further help Zimbabwe. I believe improvement comes with playing more games. Practice is important, but actual game time is crucial for development. The ICC and major leagues can support young players by providing more opportunities, like exchange programs in different environments. This can make us a stronger team. I appreciate India and other teams for their efforts in promoting such initiatives, which can benefit us greatly.

Zimbabwe missed the qualification for 2024 T20 World Cup despite there being 20 participants for the first time. What is the one area of focus that can help them bounce back? Would having Andy Flower as a coach make a difference?

For me, having more games is crucial. It's not just about playing against smaller teams; we also need to face bigger teams to grow. India coming to Zimbabwe in July is fantastic as it inspires players to compete against top teams. Back home, there are academies and side games, which is a good start. We have talented players like Tangaravas, Muzarabani, and Raza, who are making their mark globally in leagues like IPL and PSL.

Having someone like Andy Flower, who understands Zimbabwean cricket, is invaluable. He's proven himself as both a player and a coach, which is what we need at the highest level. It's important that whoever leads our team has the nation's best interests at heart, and having someone with Zimbabwean roots is often the best choice.

What are your thoughts on the time when some star players had to leave the country due to political unrest?

It's always tricky when players make choices, especially when they decide to leave. Everyone has their own beliefs and ways of dealing with things. While losing players is tough, we can't force or blame them because these decisions are personal. Politics in sports is common worldwide, and we have to accept it. Those who want to stay will, and those who don't, well, we can't change that. It's ultimately about individual choices, even though it's hard to see good players go.

What was the reason behind announcing your retirement from international cricket last year, despite having a chance to make a comeback?

It reached a point where frustrations started to build up. There were misunderstandings with coaches, preferences for certain players, and discussions about age. Eventually, it was suggested that I retire. Surprisingly, this turned out to be a blessing in disguise because just as I retired, the Legends League began. It was an unexpected opportunity because people thought my cricketing days were over. However, I've continued to play, especially in Zimbabwe and in the Legends League, where I've been performing well alongside players I once looked up to like Harbhajan Singh and others.

This transition has been fulfilling. Legends League caters to retired international players, and for me, it's been an opportunity to continue playing and enjoying the game without the pressure of being dropped from the team. It's ironic but true that I've found more joy in this league than in international cricket. The past three years have been some of the best, free from worries about my place in the team and focused on performing whenever there's a T20 match.

I'm grateful for these opportunities that came my way even after retirement was suggested. Competing in these leagues has shown me that the competitive spirit never truly leaves a cricketer, regardless of age or retirement status.

How was your experience playing in the Zim Afro T10 last year? What is its impact on cricket in Zimbabwe?

Playing T10 cricket for the first time was an immense experience for me. I had the pleasure of being in the team with players like Robin Uthappa and Irfan bhai (Irfan Pathan), which was a blessing. It's always special to have such talented players alongside you, especially when representing Zimbabwe at home.

I believe tournaments like Zim Afro T10 have a positive impact on cricket in Zimbabwe. It not only provides a platform for showcasing talent but also encourages more participation and support from fans. We had emerging players like Tino Maphosa, who grabbed the spotlight and showed his potential to the world. The support from fans during the tournament was fantastic, something we hadn't experienced much before in franchise T20 or T10 cricket. Overall, I hope such tournaments continue as they play a significant role in nurturing talent and boosting the cricketing spirit in Zimbabwe.

You have a special bond with Steven Taylor. What are your thoughts about the USA beating Bangladesh and Pakistan recently?

Steven Taylor is a special talent and a fantastic human being. He is not just a friend but also like a brother to me. Keep an eye on him in the World Cup because I believe he's going to surprise everyone with his performance. USA will likely be one of the teams to bring some shocks, and Steven will play a significant role in that. It's not surprising to me to see USA's progress. They have been working hard, and their team is quite strong. They have excellent bowlers and batters, some of whom have even played in the IPL. So, underestimating them would be a mistake.