Cricket fans around the world know Sam Curran as one of England’s most promising all-rounders, but fewer are aware that his older brother, Ben Curran, plays international cricket too — not for England, but for Zimbabwe. This has sparked curiosity among fans: Why does one brother play for England and the other for Zimbabwe?
The answer lies in the family’s unique background, their cricketing journey, and the international eligibility rules in cricket.
Meet the Curran Brothers
The Curran family is steeped in cricketing tradition. Here’s a quick look at the three cricketing Curran siblings:
- Sam Curran: England international, known for his pace bowling and aggressive batting.
- Tom Curran: Another England cricketer, plays in various T20 leagues worldwide.
- Ben Curran: Left-handed top-order batter who has represented Zimbabwe at the international level.
Despite being brothers, their international careers have taken different paths.
A Family Rooted in Zimbabwe
The story begins in Harare, Zimbabwe, where all three Curran brothers were born. Their father, Kevin Curran, was a former Zimbabwean international cricketer who played for Zimbabwe in the 1980s and later became a national coach.
Kevin Curran’s deep roots in Zimbabwean cricket heavily influenced his sons’ early exposure to the game. The family lived in Zimbabwe until political and economic challenges pushed them to relocate to England in the early 2000s.
Move to England and Cricketing Pathways
After moving to England, all three brothers attended elite cricketing schools and joined county cricket clubs:
- Sam and Tom rose through the ranks in England’s youth system and played for Surrey and England.
- Ben Curran also played county cricket, representing Northamptonshire and performing well in domestic competitions.
However, Ben’s journey diverged when he didn’t break into the England national setup, unlike his younger brothers.
🇿🇼 Why Ben Curran Chose Zimbabwe
1. Eligibility Through Birth and Heritage
Ben Curran was born in Zimbabwe, making him eligible to represent the country under ICC rules. With his father being a former Zimbabwe cricketer and coach, his Zimbabwean ties are strong.
2. Limited Opportunities in England
While Sam and Tom found success with England, Ben faced tough competition in the English domestic circuit. Despite consistent performances, he wasn’t picked for the England national team.
3. Revival of Zimbabwe Cricket
Zimbabwe Cricket has been undergoing a revival phase, offering opportunities to players with Zimbabwean roots. In this environment, Ben Curran saw a chance to play international cricket, contribute to the team’s growth, and represent the country where he was born.
In 2022, Ben made his international debut for Zimbabwe in an ODI match, making the Curran story even more fascinating — one family, two nations.
Dual Nationality in Cricket: Not Uncommon
Ben Curran’s case isn’t unique. Cricket has several examples of players representing countries different from where they grew up or where their family members play:
- Eoin Morgan: Born in Ireland, played for England.
- Devon Conway: Born in South Africa, plays for New Zealand.
- Jason Roy: Born in South Africa, plays for England.
The ICC eligibility rules allow a player to represent a country if they:
- Are a citizen,
- Were born there, or
- Have lived there for a minimum period (usually 3 years).
Final Thoughts
Ben Curran’s decision to play for Zimbabwe is both personal and strategic. It reflects his deep family connection to Zimbabwean cricket and his desire to play at the international level. While Sam and Tom continue to shine for England, Ben is carving his own path, helping Zimbabwe’s cricket team rebuild and gain global attention.
Their story highlights how international cricket is increasingly globalized, with players using their heritage and eligibility to explore opportunities around the world.
Did You Know?
All three Curran brothers once played together in the same England county match — a rare moment in professional cricket!
💬 What do you think about Ben Curran’s decision to play for Zimbabwe? Let us know in the comments below!
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