The former England batter switched international allegiances last month by signing a deal to play domestic cricket in Zimbabwe
Gary Ballance is set to make his international debut for Zimbabwe after being named in the country's squad for the three-match T20I series against Ireland later this month.
Last month, the former England batter signed a two-year contract to play domestic and international cricket in Zimbabwe and for the national team, a day after his departure from Yorkshire was confirmed.
Ballance, who hasn't played first-team cricket since September 2021, was born in Zimbabwe before moving to England as a schoolboy, by which point he had already turned out for Zimbabwe at the 2006 Under-19 World Cup.
He then represented England 39 times after debuting in 2013 but last played in 2017, opening the door for a return to international cricket with the land of his birth.
The 33-year-old had a contract at Yorkshire until 2024 but asked to be released from the deal. He has agreed not to represent another County Championship side in 2023 but in any case, having signed to play as a local in Zimbabwe, could now only play county cricket as an overseas player.
"I'm thrilled to be joining Zimbabwe Cricket and can't wait to start work with some great coaches and talented players," said Ballance in December.
"The opportunity to represent Zimbabwe has given me a new-found passion and excitement for the game.
"I have kept in touch with a number of people within Zimbabwe cricket over the years and it has been great to watch their recent progress especially."
Gary Ballance represented England 39 times (Paul Ellis/AFP via Getty Images)
Dave Houghton, Zimbabwe's head coach, is married to the cousin of Ballance's father, and he suggested earlier this year that Ballance might be prepared to switch his allegiance.
Hamilton Masakadza, Zimbabwe Cricket's director of cricket, added: "We are elated to have Gary, an immensely talented and experienced cricketer, back home where it all started for him.
"He is a great addition to our domestic and international set-up and we are looking forward to him making a massive difference for us."
In a statement announcing his Headingley exit, Yorkshire said his departure comes amid "challenges he has faced to his mental health".
More recently, Ballance was at the centre of the allegations of made by Azeem Rafiq. Rafiq accused Ballance of using racist language towards him across two spells at Headingley, charges which after accepting led to his indefinite suspension from England selection. He later apologised to Rafiq.
His last senior outing for Yorkshire came against Warwickshire in September last year, scoring 58 and 21 at Headingley. He played his most recent second-team game in July against Leicestershire.
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