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ENGLAND cricket team are in early discussions to tour Zimbabwe for the first time since 2004, with a new ground near Victoria Falls earmarked as the likely venue.
They have not played in the country since four one-day internationals 21 years ago, after cricket ties were severed in 2008 for political reasons.
Zimbabwe Cricket (ZC) officials have used last week’s one-off Test at Trent Bridge to strengthen relations with their counterparts at the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB).
The possibility of a bilateral series on Zimbabwean soil in the next cycle of the Future Tours Programme (FTP) from 2027 to 2031 has been raised during talks between senior figures of the two boards.
Discussions are at a very early stage and there is no indication as to the format, or the number of matches, but sources have told BBC Sport they are “very optimistic” an agreement can be reached.
A bilateral white-ball series would appear the most likely option, but a one-off Test — potentially as a precursor to a longer Test tour of nearby South Africa — might hold more appeal to travelling England supporters.
The Zimbabwe Tourism Authority has been present at Trent Bridge, where they have been actively promoting the country as a holiday destination.
ZC is currently overseeing the construction of a new ground near Victoria Falls, named the Fale Mosi-oa-Tunya International Cricket Stadium, which it hopes will be a draw to visiting fans because of its location close to the waterfalls and safari excursions.
The 10 000-seater venue is being built with financial support from the International Cricket Council (ICC), at a cost between £4m and £8m, for the 2027 50-over World Cup which Zimbabwe is co-hosting with South Africa and Namibia.
ECB chief executive Richard Gould was among the delegates at a recent ICC board meeting in Zimbabwe which included a visit to Victoria Falls.
It is possible England could play in Zimbabwe at the 2027 World Cup, with the ICC yet to determine the schedule.
England travelled to Zimbabwe for a one-day series in 2004, but were under pressure to cancel Zimbabwe’s 2009 tour of England before the government intervened in June 2008 to sever cricketing ties.
Zimbabwe withdrew from the 2009 T20 World Cup in England.
England have played only three two-Test series against Zimbabwe, and the ECB is covering Zimbabwe’s tour fee for the Trent Bridge Test. — BBC Sport/Sports Reporter.
Online Reporter