Online Reporter
THE Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) will tour Zimbabwe this month for the first time in 60 years, marking an historic return since their last visit in 1964/65.
It’s another chapter which shows that cricketing and cultural ties between Zimbabwe and England continue to strengthen.
The prestigious English club will play seven matches across Kwekwe and Harare.
The tour begins with two T20s on October 6 and a 50-over match on October 7 against provincial side Rhinos at Kwekwe Sports Club.
The tourists will then face 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, two on October 14 and the final match on October 15.
Zimbabwe Cricket (ZC) Managing Director Givemore Makoni welcomed MCC’s return, describing it as a momentous occasion for both cricketing and diplomatic ties.
“We are proud and thrilled to welcome MCC back to Zimbabwe after six decades,” he said.
“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.”
Rob Lynch, MCC’s Director of Cricket and Operations, said the club was looking forward to the tour.
“We are pleased to be touring a Full Member nation as part of our overseas programme this year, with a focus on elite performance,” he said.
MCC has named a strong 13-man squad for the tour, captained by Glamorgan batter Will Smale. Nine players in the party have first-class and/or List A experience, highlighting the high-performance focus of the trip.
Founded in 1787 and based at Lord’s Cricket Ground in London, MCC is widely regarded as the custodian 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.
Today, 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.
MCC SQUAD FOR ZIMBABWE TOUR:
Will Smale (Captain), Sam Athurton, Ben Allison, Daniel da Costa, Jasper Davidson, Joseph Davies, Simon Fernandes, Alistair Frost, Michael Frost, Darren Ironside, Billy Mead, Mo Rizvi, Matt Wareing. -ZimCricket
Mathew Masinge