ZIMBABWE Cricket (ZC) have received a major boost after they successfully lured India to come and play in a T20I series this July, in a tour that comes soon after the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup scheduled for West Indies and USA.
Zimbabwe were not scheduled to play India in the current Future Tours Programme, but ZC staged a major coup by successfully negotiating this big home series that comes with huge financial benefits.
This development comes on the back of the good news that Zimbabwe will be touring England for a one-off four-day Test for the first time in almost two decades.
ZC chairperson Tavengwa Mukuhlani was elated at the news of hosting India in the five T20 matches following fruitful discussions with the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI).
“We are absolutely thrilled to be hosting India for a T20I series in July in what will be our biggest international attraction at homethis year,” Mukuhlani confirmed in a statement yesterday.
“The game of cricket has always immensely benefited from India’s influence and dedication to the sport, and I would like to say a huge thank you to the BCCI for committing to tour Zimbabwe once again.”
The games have been slated to run from July 6 to 14, 2024 in Harare.
India is the biggest cricketing nation in terms of revenue generation and their confirmation to tour Zimbabwe will drastically improve the balance sheet of ZC.
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“The significance and magnitude of this tour cannot be over-emphasised, especially as it is coming at a time when we are working round the clock to re-establish ourselves as a force to reckon with at the highest level of the game,” Mukuhlani said.
The last time India visited Harare was in August 2022, where they played a three-match one-day international series against the hosts.
It ended in a whitewash in favour of the visitors.
Zimbabwe beat India in a T20 encounter some eight years ago when former seamer Neville Madziva defended seven runs off the last over, conceding only four against the best finisher ever in Mahendra Singh Dhoni at Harare Sports Club.
The Chevrons won that match by two runs, with Elton Chigumbura getting the Player of the Match gong for his unbeaten 54 off 26 balls.
BCCI honorary secretary Jay Shah said Zimbabwe deserved the Indian support during their low moments.
“The BCCI has always played a pioneering role in contributing to the global cricketing community. We understand that it is a period of rebuilding for Zimbabwe, and Zimbabwe Cricket needs our support at this juncture,” Shah said.
“Our steadfast commitment to touring and supporting fellow member boards aligns with our principle of bringing about a positive transformation within the cricketing landscape. The BCCI will do its best to make bilateral cricket stronger and commercially more viable.
“Our pledge to support Zimbabwe Cricket reflects a shared vision for the growth and prosperity of cricket on the international stage.”
Zimbabwe failed to qualify for the T20 World Cup, where Associate sides Namibia and Uganda took the two slots that were up for grabs in the Africa Region.
