The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) is in advanced discussions to tour with Zimbabwe Cricket (ZC). They plan to host a bilateral ODI cricket series against any country in Zimbabwe between 2027-2031. This prospective four-match series is another vivid harbinger of a wonderful thaw in relations between the two cricketing countries. They haven’t gone head to head on Zimbabwean soil in more than 20 years! England have not played in Zimbabwe since 2004 when they toured taking part in a one-day series. Prior to that their last visit there was for four one-day internationals 21 years ago.
By 2008, cricket ties between England and Zimbabwe were severed as political turmoil crumbled the Zimbabwean game. The UK government lobbied for this decision after decades of oppression during former President Robert Mugabe’s rule. The political climate ultimately led to England’s boycott of an important group match against Zimbabwe. Notably, this decision came during South Africa’s hosting of the 2003 Cricket World Cup at the time. Since that time, the two countries have played just three two-Test series.
The ECB and ZC have started a new conversation. As Zimbabwe prepares to co-host the 2027 ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup alongside fellow African nations South Africa and Namibia, this is a doubly exciting development. To bolster its cricketing infrastructure, Zimbabwe Cricket is constructing a new venue named the Fale Mosi-oa-Tunya International Cricket Stadium, located near Victoria Falls. The International Cricket Council (ICC) is funding this project. Estimated construction costs are between £4 million and £8 million. The new stadium with a capacity of 10,000 seats will usher in cricket fans from across the world. Visitors including tourists will rush to the region as they wait to see their magnificent waterfalls and outdoor safari experiences.
The ECB has now agreed to pay Zimbabwe’s tour fee for next month’s Test at Trent Bridge. This decision represents the ICC’s sincerity in establishing a positive new start with Zimbabwean cricket. There is speculation that England may potentially play in Zimbabwe during the 2027 World Cup, dependent on the ICC’s scheduling decisions.
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