Online Reporter
Eddie Chikamhi
Zimpapers Sports Hub
FROM playing lots of cricket, to enjoying wildlife and the hospitality that Zimbabwe offers, England’s Marylebone Cricket Club had many things to cherish from their historic tour of this country, which ended on Wednesday.
The MCC delegation left on Wednesday evening after playing seven games against different opponents.
In between the games, they also had opportunities to visit some of the country’s tourism sites, partake in game drives and tasted traditional dishes, in a major triumph for sports tourism.
Before their departure on Wednesday, the tourists had positive testimonies about Zimbabwe as a destination.
“The opportunity to come to Zimbabwe was fantastic,” said MCC manager Owen Dawkins.
“Since the minute we landed, we’ve had a great treatment. Everyone’s been so friendly and so supportive, met by the tourist board and the ministers. We’ve really been looked after fantastically.”
Visiting Zimbabwe for the first time since the 1964/65 season, MCC players and officials took time off the pitch to immerse themselves in the country’s breathtaking wildlife at Antelope Park in Gweru.
The team experienced the wonder of Zimbabwe’s natural beauty through an exhilarating lion encounter where they witnessed a rare lion hunt, interacted closely with elephants and came face-to-face with the endangered white rhino.
“Heading up to Antelope Park was brilliant,” Dawkins said.
“What a way to start the tour, get out, see the game, see a couple of night tours, a morning drive, see the rhino. It was really outstanding and a great way to get going.”
MCC were hosted by the Ministry of Tourism and Hospitality Industry at the Heritage Village in Harare where they sampled an array of traditional dishes and beverages.
Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Tourism and Hospitality Industry, Takaruza Munyanyiwa, described the tour as significant and highlighted that sports tourism is a vital component of Zimbabwe’s tourism development strategy.
“We are also coming on the backdrop of Zimbabwe having played cricket in England earlier this year and, only last week, we had the qualifiers.
“So, I think this is the right time for Zimbabwe. Sports tourism is doing very well as we had an independent assessment which saw Zimbabwe amongst the top two must-visit African destinations,” said Munyanyiwa. On the diplomatic side, the tour marked a major moment for Zimbabwean cricket, rekindling ties with one of the game’s oldest institutions.
MCC played seven matches across Kwekwe and Harare.
They began with two T20s and a 50-over match against provincial side Rhinos at Kwekwe Sports Club earlier in the month.
The tourists then faced Zimbabwe A in a three-day first-class fixture from October 10 to 12 at Old Hararians Sports Club, before concluding with three T20s against the Zimbabwe Academy at Takashinga Cricket Club this week.
“To play in Kwekwe was really interesting. We got really well looked after. Two really good games that we man-aged to win one, lose one against a strong Rhinos side. And then, to come here and play against nine internationals is a tremendous experience for all our lads,” said Dawkins.
Founded in 1787 and based at Lord’s Cricket Ground in London, MCC are widely regarded as the custodians of the game’s spirit and traditions.
Once the governing body of world cricket, MCC remains responsible for the Laws of Cricket and continues to influence the global game.
Currently, MCC is the most active cricket club in the world, with thousands of members playing more than 400 matches annually, including overseas tours promoting both cricket development and international goodwill. Zimbabwe in the last few years have hosted English county and first-class teams that include Glamorgan, Derby-shire and Durham.
Zimbabwe Cricket Managing Director Givemore Makoni described the tour as a momentous occasion for both cricketing and diplomatic ties.
“This historic tour is a celebration of our cricketing heritage, an inspiration for our players and fans and a testament to the enduring friendship and cultural ties between Zimbabwe and England,” said Makoni.
