Online Reporter
Brandon Moyo, [email protected]
ZIMBABWE Cricket (ZC) chairperson Tavengwa Mukuhlani has described the Chevrons’ upcoming tour of England in May as a momentous occasion that will usher in a healthy relationship between the two nations.
Mukuhlani was speaking during a visit to Harare Sports Club by the British Ambassador to Zimbabwe, Pete Vowles, on Thursday. Vowles met with ZC officials and national team players ahead of the Chevrons’ first visit to England since 2003.
Zimbabwe will play a one-off four-day Test match against England at Trent Bridge, marking a resumption of bilateral cricket ties after a 22-year hiatus. Mukuhlani described the visit as key to rebuilding sporting relations between the two nations, adding that their goal is to return to the top of world cricket.
“Zimbabwe and England share a great history, premised on England being our former colonial power, and along with that, they brought cricket, which is now part and parcel of our daily lives, our heritage, and most importantly, we speak English.
“This 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. For the past 10 years, Zimbabwe Cricket’s main goal has been to return to the global stage, which I believe we have achieved.
“The results of the recent ODI series against Ireland are testament to that. We are on the rise and I believe we will continue to show that in May when we travel to England,” said Mukuhlani.
The ZC boss also expressed his gratitude to Givemore Makoni, the managing director, and former England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) CEO, Tom Harrison, for their crucial roles in making the tour a reality.
“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, Givemore Makoni, and the former CEO of the ECB, Tom Harrison, who put in a lot of effort and long hours of negotiations with the various administrations at the ECB to eventually make this tour happen,” he said.
In his address, Vowles said they are looking forward to the momentous occasion in May, stating that it is the perfect way to strengthen relations between Zimbabwe and Britain.
“It’s super exciting to be here as British Ambassador to Zimbabwe. 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.
“We are so excited that Zimbabwe will be travelling to the UK to play England in May. As the Chairman said, it’s a momentous occasion that, after 22 years, is a symbol of the relationship between the two countries and between our people,” said Vowles.
On a lighter note, Vowles said he is undecided which team to support come May.
“My main problem is what shirt to wear. I have probably spent more of my adult life in Zimbabwe than I have in the UK.
“I am trying to work out how to split my shirt. Should I have a Zimbabwe shirt on one side and an England shirt on the other, or Zimbabwe on the front and England on the back?” he said.
The one-off Test match will be played at Trent Bridge in Nottingham from 22 to 25 May.
Excitement for the Test has already been building. The two-decade gap is the longest period without a bilateral series between any two ICC full members.
Prior to their trip to England, Zimbabwe will play two Tests against Bangladesh next month.
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