Noopur Bhandiwad, Pune
England is all set to host Zimbabwe for a four-day test match in May 2025. This is the first time since the first test match was played between both countries in 2003. While the match will be played between May 28 and May 31, the venue has yet to be determined.
The two have played each other in a total of six texts. In 1996, Zimbabwe hosted England in the long format and toured the UK in 2000 and 2003 for two matches each. Since 2004, the two teams have not faced off in any bilateral series. This was because of the political tensions bubbling up between the two nations stemming from problems in Zimbabwe under the leadership of Robert Mugabe.
However, the two countries have since improved their relations and even restarted communications between the two cricket boards.
Richard Gould, the chief executive of the ECB, expressed his delight to be able to conduct a men’s test match with Zimbabwe after a prolonged period. He said, “We are committed to forging a better relationship with Zimbabwe Cricket. This test against our England Men’s Team is a step forward in that direction.”
The Managing Director of Zimbabwe Cricket, Givemore Makoni, appreciated the ECB’s efforts to resume cricketing relations between both countries by calling the tour “historic”. “The experience of playing a Test Match against a top team like England is massive for the current generation of players, especially at a time when our game as a whole is on an upward trajectory.”
In addition to this, five home Tests have been scheduled between India and England for the 2025 home summer, while the World Test Championship final will take place at Lord’s.