 As a result, Zimbabwe Cricket officially expressed its delight at the record turn-outs.A number of former players and overseas players were contracted by the franchises specifically for the tournament.Anthony Ireland and Ian Harvey appeared for the Southern Rocks, Dougie Marillier for Mash Eagles, Andy Blignaut for Matabeleland Tuskers, Greg Smith for the Mountaineers and Darren Stevens and Ollie Rayner for Kwekwe’s MidWest Rhinos.