Online Reporter
Zimpapers Sports Hub
BRITISH Ambassador to Zimbabwe, Pete Vowles, believes that the upcoming visit to his country by the senior national men’s cricket side will be more than just about the Test match and will help strengthen the relations that exist between the two countries.
The Chevrons are scheduled to visit England for a once off Test against the Three Lions at Trent Bridge in May.
It is a rare Test encounter between the two nations.
In fact, it will be the first clash between the two sides after a 22-year period.
Yesterday, Zimbabwe Cricket leadership and the Chevrons had the pleasure of hosting Ambassador Vowles, who paid a courtesy call on them.
Speaking after the visit at Harare Sports Club to meet the ZC officials and the Chevrons ahead of their first tour to England since 2003, Ambassador Vowles said the resumption of the bilateral cricket ties between the two sides would enhance the relations between Britain and Zimbabwe.
“It is super exciting to be here as British Ambassador to Zimbabwe,’’ Ambassador Vowles said.
“Ultimately, my job is to strengthen the relationship between Britain and Zimbabwe, between British people and Zimbabwean people, and what better way to do it than through sports — and what better way to do it than through cricket?” he said.
Ambassador Vowles sentiments were echoed by ZC chairman Tavengwa Mukuhlani, who said the first tour since 2003 is a key step in rebuilding sporting relations between the two countries.
“The momentous occasion marks a significant milestone in world cricket and symbolises the resumption of sporting ties between the two nations, which I believe are healthy and important.
“Zimbabwe and England share a great history, which is premised on England being our former colonial masters, and along with it, they brought cricket, which is now part and parcel of our daily lives, our heritage, and most importantly, we speak English,” said Mukuhlani.
The ZC boss said reviving their bilateral relations with the England and Wales Cricket Board was part of a broad objective to return to the international stage.
“On our part as Zimbabwe Cricket, for the past 10 years, our main goal and major approach has been to be back in the global nations of cricket, which I believe we have done,” he said. Mukuhlani credited ZC managing director Givemore Makoni and former ECWB chief executive officer Tom Harrison for playing a crucial role in ensuring that the resumption of the bilateral cricket tie sees the light of day.
“The last time Zimbabwe toured England for a cricket series was in 2003, and since then there has been a hiatus in the bilateral cricket relationship.
“However, after a long wait, Zimbabwe cricketers finally return to England to showcase their skills and talent on the international stage.
“I want to thank our Managing Director, Mr. Givemore Makoni, and the former CEO of the ECWB, Mr. Tom Harrison, who put in a lot of effort and long hours of negotiations with the various administrations at the ECWB to eventually have this tour come through,” said Mukuhlani.
ZC have in recent years, hosted pre-season tours for different English county cricket teams. But the real deal lies in having the Chevrons playing the big boys in Test matches, and a Test against England is a significant development.
