England will host Zimbabwe in Could 2025 for a four-day Take a look at, marking the primary Take a look at match between the perimeters since June 2003. The sport can be performed from Could 28 to 31 however the venue is but to be confirmed.
England forfeited factors within the 2003 World Cup after refusing to journey to Harare to play Zimbabwe, and the ECB suspended bilateral agreements with Zimbabwe on authorities recommendation in 2005. Relations between the 2 international locations have improved in recent times, resulting in a resumed dialogue between the 2 cricket boards.
ECB chief government Richard Gould mentioned of the event: “We’re delighted to have the ability to host Zimbabwe for a Males’s Take a look at match for the primary time in 20 years. Zimbabwe has a proud cricket historical past and have produced world-class gamers and coaches who’ve enriched the sport internationally.
“We’re dedicated to growing a better relationship with Zimbabwe Cricket and the announcement of this Take a look at in opposition to our England Males’s staff is a step in that ambition.”
ZC managing director, Givemore Makoni, mentioned: “We’re completely delighted to be enjoying bilateral cricket in England for the primary time in over 20 years after we agreed to play a Take a look at match in Could 2025.
“The importance and magnitude of this tour can’t be over-emphasised, and I wish to say an enormous thanks to the ECB for committing to the resumption of cricketing relations between our international locations that date again to the introduction of the sport in Zimbabwe within the Eighteen Nineties.
“The expertise of enjoying a Take a look at match in opposition to a prime staff like England is very large for the present technology of our gamers, coming at a time when our sport as a complete is on an upward trajectory.”
England have been as a result of be the one one of many 12 ICC full members to not play Zimbabwe in an bilateral sequence as per the 2022-2027 future excursions programme. For the ECB, the transfer is a part of a concerted effort to re-position itself as an ally to full member nations who had beforehand been missed for Take a look at cricket.
England even have 5 residence Assessments in opposition to India scheduled for the 2025 residence summer time, whereas Lord’s is because of host the World Take a look at Championship closing.
