Online Reporter
Eddie Chikamhi, [email protected]
ZIMBABWE CRICKET chairman Tavengwa Mukuhlani yesterday hailed the strong relations between his association and the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) following the announcement that the Chevrons will be touring the Asian nation early next year for the first time in 25 years under a bilateral arrangement.
Mukuhlani expressed excitement about the tour, which he said will give Zimbabwean players much-needed exposure against one of the world’s top cricketing nations.
The Chevrons are set to play three One-Day Internationals in a bilateral series confirmed by the BCCI yesterday as part of its 2026–27 international home season, which features 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 9, 2027.
The confirmation follows Zimbabwe’s strong showing at the recent ICC T20 World Cup, where they reached the Super Eight after beating heavyweights such as Australia and Sri Lanka.
Opportunities to face top teams have been limited in recent years due to the team’s slump during a difficult period. But Zimbabwe’s recent performances have put them back in the international spotlight.
Mukuhlani said the Chevrons should seize the moment.
“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, India have been frequent visitors to Zimbabwe — in 2006, 2010, 2013, 2015, 2016 and 2022.
The Indians have remained committed to fulfilling fixtures against Zimbabwe, even when other cricket boards showed little interest, bringing significant financial benefits to Zimbabwe through sponsorship and broadcasting rights.
However, 25 years without touring India has been a long stretch — a gap reflected in 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. 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 late next year alongside South Africa and Namibia.
Mukuhlani also revealed that plans are underway for India to tour Zimbabwe later this year and again in 2028.
The Chevrons have not played international cricket since returning from the T20 World Cup co hosted by India and Sri Lanka, but are scheduled to tour Pakistan next month for three ODIs and three T20Is.
They also have a home series against Bangladesh, tentatively expected to include a two Test series and five ODIs.
Afghanistan are also anticipated to tour towards the end of the year for a multi format engagement featuring two Tests, three ODIs and three T20Is.
