Online Reporter
Eddie Chikamhi
Zimpapers Sports Hub
ZIMBABWE Cricket chairman Tavengwa Mukuhlani yesterday hailed the strong relations between his association and the Board of Control for Cricket in India following the announcement that the Chevrons will be touring the Asian country early next year for the first time in 25 years on a bilateral arrangement.
Mukuhlani, who has been on a crusade to ensure Zimbabwe cricket makes its mark in the international game, expressed excitement with the tour which he said will give the country’s players the much-needed exposure against the top cricket nations.
The Chevrons are set to play three One-Day Internationals in a bilateral series that was confirmed by the BCCI yesterday when they unveiled their fixtures for the international home season 2026-27 featuring four visiting teams — West Indies, Sri Lanka, Zimbabwe and Australia — in a multi-format schedule.
The matches between Zimbabwe and India will be held in Kolkata, Hyderabad and Mumbai from January 3 to January 9 in 2027.
India’s confirmation came on the back of Zimbabwe’s strong showing at the recent ICC T20 World Cup where they reached the Super Eight by beating heavyweights such as Australia and Sri Lanka.
Opportunities against the big teams have been few and far between because of the slump that the team experienced a few years ago.
But Zimbabwe’s recent performances have placed them back on the international spotlight.
Mukuhlani said the Chevrons should grab the opportunity with both hands.
“It means a lot for the players because there is no other way of improving the game and overall team performance outside of playing those that are better than you.
“So, this is a big opportunity for our young players to stand up and be counted. They should grab this opportunity and build the momentum as we prepare for the (2027) World Cup,” said Mukuhlani.
Zimbabwe last played in India in March 2002 when they toured for a five-match ODI series that ended in a 3-2 victory for the hosts.
Since then, it has been one way with India touring in 2006, 2010, 2013, 2015, 2016 and 2022.
The Indians have remained committed to playing Zimbabwe even when the other cricket boards showed apathy, with significant financial benefits for the African nation through increased sponsorship and broadcasting rights.
But 25 years without touring that part of the world was a long time for Zimbabwe, and the results showed with how the Chevrons struggled to adjust when they moved their games to India during the recent ICC T20 World Cup.
“I think it was long coming,” Mukuhlani said.
“This is a very important development and we are thankful to the BCCI for their willingness to host us next year.
“India are leading by example; they talk the talk in terms of trying to level the playing field. We have also hosted them here a number of times, and it’s now our turn to tour.
“For the record, India has been very supportive of Zimbabwe for many years. We are very excited, given next year we are also going to co-host the ICC 50-over World Cup,” said Mukuhlani.
Zimbabwe will co-host the ICC World Cup later next year along with South Africa and Namibia.
Mukuhlani also revealed there were also plans to have India tour Zimbabwe later this year and again in 2028.
The Chevrons have not played international cricket since their return from the T20 World Cup co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka but are scheduled to tour Pakistan for three ODIs and as many T20Is later next month.
They also have a home series against Bangladesh, tentatively for a two-Test series and five ODIs.
They also expect Afghanistan to tour towards the end of the year for a multi-format engagement that should include two Tests, three ODIs and three T20Is.
