England to host Zimbabwe for one-off four-day Test in May 2025
England will host Zimbabwe in May 2025 for a four-day Test, marking the primary Test match between the perimeters since June 2003. The recreation can be performed from May 28 to 31 however the venue is but to be confirmed.
In all the 2 have performed one another in six Tests, Zimbabwe internet hosting England within the lengthy format in 1996 and touring the UK in 2000 and 2003 for 2 video games apiece. The groups haven’t performed a bilateral sequence in opposition to one another in any format since 2004, with relations between the 2 boards severed as a result of political tensions stemming from points in Zimbabwe beneath the Robert Mugabe authorities.
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 nations 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 are delighted to be able to host Zimbabwe for a Men’s Test match for the first time in two decades. Zimbabwe has a proud cricket history and have produced world-class players and coaches who have enriched the game across the world.
“We are dedicated to growing a better relationship with Zimbabwe Cricket and the announcement of this Test in opposition to our England Men’s staff is a step in that ambition.”
ZC managing director, Givemore Makoni, said: “We are completely delighted to be taking part in bilateral cricket in England for the primary time in over 20 years after we agreed to play a Test match in May 2025.
“The significance and magnitude of this tour cannot be over-emphasised, and I would like to say a huge thank you to the ECB for committing to the resumption of cricketing relations between our countries that date back to the introduction of the game in Zimbabwe in the 1890s.
“The expertise of taking part in a Test match in opposition to a prime staff like England is very large for the present era of our gamers, coming at a time when our recreation as a complete is on an upward trajectory.”
England were due to be the only one of the 12 ICC full members not to play Zimbabwe in an bilateral series as per the 2022-2027 future tours programme. For the ECB, the move is part of a concerted effort to re-position itself as an ally to full member nations who had previously been overlooked for Test cricket.
England even have 5 residence Tests in opposition to India scheduled for the 2025 residence summer time, whereas Lord’s is because of host the World Test Championship last.