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Ricky Zililo Senior Sports Reporter
MATCH related expenses are likely to continue denying Bulawayo cricket enthusiasts the chance to watch international matches as Zimbabwe Cricket (ZC) prefers hosting visiting teams in Harare.
ZC is bracing for a dramatic upturn in international games, most of which would be staged in Harare, with Bulawayo’s ceremonial home of cricket, Queens Sports Club probably hosting one match, funds permitting.
ZC managing director Alistair Campbell disclosed that cricket giants India, New Zealand and Pakistan had confirmed their tours and the board was now working on securing visits for Ireland, Afghanistan and the West Indies.
“We are cognisant of the fact that Bulawayo has a facility that can play host to international games and international cricket will come to Bulawayo. There are a number of matches lined up for the year and looking at the schedule, we can’t have all the games in Harare because we don’t want to burden the wicket,” said Campbell.
“What will determine moving games to Bulawayo is availability of resources because it costs a lot to take games to Queens Sports Club.”
India will be the first to tour Zimbabwe next month for a limited overs’ series. The cricket powerhouse will play three One-Day Internationals (ODIs) and two T20 matches at Harare Sports Club.
India are set to arrive in Zimbabwe on July 7 and play their ODIs on July 10, 12 and 14. The T20 games are scheduled for July 17 and 19 after which India will leave Zimbabwe on the following day.
A week after India’s departure, New Zealand will arrive for a limited overs’ series.
Even though ZC says the venue for New Zealand’s games has not yet been decided, this publication has it on good authority that they will be played at Harare Sports Club.
The Black Caps are due in the country on July 27 and leave on August 10.
Bulawayo, which hosted Afghanistan and South Africa last year, is likely to host Pakistan’s reciprocal tour. Zimbabwe became the first Test playing nation to tour Pakistan in six years last month for two T20 and three ODIs.
Test nations boycotted Pakistan after a bus carrying the Sri Lankan team was attacked by up to 12 gunmen in Lahore en route to the stadium.
Zimbabwe played four ODIs against Afghanistan in July 2014, winning two and losing two.
South Africa were in Bulawayo in August and won all their three ODIs at Queens Sports Club.
Matabeleland Tuskers Cricket Franchise has already started renovating dressing rooms at Queens Sports Club in anticipation of hosting international matches.
The Bulawayo-based franchise is targeting the Pakistan and West Indies tours.
“We are geared up for international games because Bulawayo also deserves to watch their national team in action against the giants. Besides people from Bulawayo, international games this side draw fans from Botswana, Zambia, Victoria Falls and other areas in the southern part of the country. From the communication we have been having with ZC, the India and New Zealand matches will be played in Harare leaving us to lobby for Pakistan, West Indies and Ireland games which are in the pipeline,” said Matabeleland Tuskers Cricket Franchise chief executive officer Stanley Staddon.
Online Reporter