England’s cricket team is in early discussions to tour Zimbabwe for the first time in over two decades, with a new 10,000-seater stadium near Victoria Falls, the Fale Mosi-oa-Tunya International Cricket Stadium, earmarked as the potential venue. The talks, initiated during Zimbabwe Cricket’s (ZC) visit to Trent Bridge for a one-off Test, mark a significant step toward reviving cricketing ties severed in 2008 due to political tensions.
Zimbabwe Cricket officials leveraged the Trent Bridge Test to engage with the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB), exploring a bilateral series in Zimbabwe within the 2027-2031 Future Tours Programme (FTP). While details on the format and number of matches remain unclear, sources told BBC Sport they are “very optimistic” about reaching an agreement. A white-ball series appears most likely, though a one-off Test, possibly linked to a broader South Africa tour, could attract England’s traveling supporters.
The Zimbabwe Tourism Authority has actively promoted the country as a holiday destination during the Trent Bridge Test, highlighting Victoria Falls’ allure with its iconic waterfalls and safari opportunities. The new stadium, backed by £4m-£8m in International Cricket Council (ICC) funding, is under construction to co-host the 2027 50-over World Cup alongside South Africa and Namibia.
The Fale Mosi-oa-Tunya International Cricket Stadium, strategically located near Victoria Falls, aims to draw global fans with its scenic backdrop and tourism appeal. ECB chief executive Richard Gould recently visited the site during an ICC board meeting in Zimbabwe, signaling growing interest in the venue. England could also face Zimbabwe during the 2027 World Cup, though the ICC has yet to finalize the schedule.
England’s last tour to Zimbabwe was in 2004 for four one-day internationals, following a boycott of their 2003 World Cup fixture in Harare due to political unrest under former president Robert Mugabe. Cricketing ties were formally cut in 2008 when the UK government intervened, leading to Zimbabwe’s withdrawal from the 2009 T20 World Cup in England. The ECB is currently covering Zimbabwe’s tour fee for the Trent Bridge Test, a gesture of goodwill as relations thaw.
England have played just three two-Test series against Zimbabwe historically, making the potential 2027 tour a landmark moment for both cricketing nations.
Looking Ahead
As discussions progress, the tour could strengthen Zimbabwe’s resurgence in international cricket while offering England fans a unique blend of sport and tourism. With the 2027 World Cup on the horizon, the Fale Mosi-oa-Tunya Stadium may soon become a focal point for global cricket.
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