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Eddie Chikamhi Senior Sports Reporter
ZIMBABWE Cricket chairman, Tavengwa Mukuhlani, says there is always something special about touring Pakistan because of the strong relations that exist between the two countries.
The Chevrons were given the green-light by Government to tour the Asian country next month.
They will play three One Day Internationals and, as many T20 Internationals, between October 30 and November 10.
Zimbabwe, who are returning to Pakistan for the second time in five years, have played a big part in ensuring the return of international cricket to the Asian country.
“Pakistan have always been a good friend of Zimbabwe and we have also returned the goodwill,” said Mukuhlani.
“They have been there for us, when we needed support, and we also did the same in their hour of need.
“Remember, we were the first nation to tour Pakistan some years back when everyone else was reluctant.
“We are going back again this time and we can only expect an exciting tour.
“We also enjoy some cordial relations at ICC level. We can only look forward to grow the relationship.”
Zimbabwe were the first team to visit Pakistan in 2015 after the terror attacks on the Sri Lanka team in Lahore in 2009.
Since then, the two sides have met twice in Zimbabwe, with Pakistan also touring here in 2015 and again in 2018.
Mukuhlani challenged the players to wear the national badge with pride during their limited overs series in Pakistan.
“This is the best time to do your best,’’ he said. “Whoever is going to be selected to travel to Pakistan should be prepared to give 100 percent effort because this is a chance that does not come every day.’’
The Pakistan cricket fraternity feel they owe a lot to Zimbabwe.
The Asian country last year hosted its first Tests on home soil, for the first time, since 2009. They hosted the Pakistan Super League, for the first time, this year.
Pakistan Cricket Board director of International Cricket, Zakir Khan, told the PCB website the hosts are looking forward to Zimbabwe’s tour.
The ODI series will form part of the ICC Super League that will serve as a qualification for the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023 to be held in India.
“The confirmation of the series schedule against Zimbabwe, after having successfully hosted Sri Lanka and Bangladesh, as well as Marylebone Cricket Club and HBL Pakistan Super League V, in the 2019-20 season, not only strengthens Pakistan’s reputation as a safe, and secure country, but also a healthy one after having successfully overcome the Covid-19 pandemic.
“This series is critical to Pakistan as it aspires to qualify directly for the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023 and, as such, every point in the Super League will count.
“Our last ODI series was against Sri Lanka, 12 months ago, so the boys will have to hit the ground running and try to pocket maximum points.
“We have strategically scheduled Zimbabwe’s matches in Multan and Rawalpindi, the venues which will be hosting the National T20 Cup from 30 September to 18 October.
“By the time Zimbabwe arrives, we would have gained enough experience on bio-securing hotels, player transportation, the venues and the players’ dressing rooms as delivery of this series will be under strict Covid-19 protocols to ensure the health and safety of all participants,” said Khan.
Zimbabwe will carry a 32-member squad to cater for both formats as well as the intra-squad warm-up matches.
The squad will undergo two Covid-19 tests, within a space of 48 hours, prior to their departure from Harare, while the second tests will be conducted as soon as they arrive in Islamabad. Players and officials that test negative will immediately begin training and any positive cases, during the tour, will have to observe a five-day self-isolation. They will only be allowed to re-integrate with the side after two negative tests.
The series will be played behind closed doors.
Online Reporter