Zimbabwe are set to tour England for a bilateral series for the first time since 2003, Zimbabwe Cricket announced on Tuesday, August 15. The Chevrons will play England in a four-day Test match from May 28-31, 2025.
The last time Zimbabwe toured England, the hosts won the two-match Test series fair and square. Zimbabwe then went on to contest in an ODI tri-series with England, also involving South Africa.
Speaking on the development Givemore Makoni, Managing Director of Zimbabwe Cricket, said: “We are absolutely delighted to be playing bilateral cricket in England for the first time in over two decades after we agreed to play a Test match in May 2025.
“The significance and magnitude of this tour cannot be overemphasised, 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 experience of playing a Test match against a top team like England is massive for the current generation of our players, coming at a time when our game as a whole is on an upward trajectory.
“This will be a historic tour for everyone involved with cricket in Zimbabwe and we are already looking forward to some exciting action on the field of play.”
In all the two nations have played each other in six Tests, with Zimbabwe hosting England in the Test format in 1996 and touring the UK in 2000 and 2003 for two matches apiece. The teams have not met in any format since 2004, with relations between the two boards being affected by the political tensions prevalent in Zimbabwe under the Robert Mugabe government.
Meanwhile, Richard Gould, ECB chief executive, added: “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 has produced world-class players and coaches who have enriched the game across the world.
“We are committed to developing a closer relationship with Zimbabwe Cricket and the announcement of this Test against our England men’s team is a step in that ambition.
“This summer’s Ashes series showcased all that is great about Test cricket and, while we must be mindful of the demands of world cricket’s schedule, we also want to help grow Test cricket and find opportunities to play more nations where we can.”
We will host Zimbabwe Men for a four-day Test match in May 2025 🏏🗓
— England Cricket (@englandcricket) August 15, 2023
