ECB Commits to Test Match in Zimbabwe
England and Wales Cricket Board has agreed in principle to a one-off Test in Zimbabwe, though no date has been set.
Updated on Nov. 14, 2026 in Africa
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The England and Wales Cricket Board has committed in principle to a one-off Test match in Zimbabwe during the 2027-2031 future tours cycle, with the match proposed for Mosi-oa-Tunya International Cricket Stadium in Victoria Falls. A firm date has not been agreed.
Why it matters
The commitment would mark England's first Test in Zimbabwe since 1996, ending a long break in cricket ties that the ECB suspended in 2008. It signals a possible reopening of cricketing relations with Zimbabwe, which has not played Test cricket in England since its one-off Trent Bridge match in 2025.
England has not played a Test in Zimbabwe since 1996, when the Bulawayo match ended in a tie with scores level after a final-day target of 205 runs. The date and final confirmation of the proposed Test remain unresolved.
The players
England and Wales Cricket Board
The ECB is the governing body for cricket in England and Wales, responsible for scheduling England's international fixtures and tours.
Zimbabwe Cricket
Zimbabwe Cricket is the national governing body for cricket in Zimbabwe, which has been negotiating renewed ties with England.
International Cricket Council
The ICC is the global governing body for cricket, overseeing the World Test Championship and international tournament schedules.
David Lloyd
David Lloyd is a former England cricketer and broadcaster who is publicly known for his commentary and long involvement in English cricket.
The details
The ECB aims to finalise England's fixtures through 2031 over the weekend in Bali, during the ICC quarterly meeting where talks with Zimbabwe Cricket took place. The proposed venue, Mosi-oa-Tunya International Cricket Stadium, is due to open next year.
Timeline
2003: England forfeited a World Cup group match in Harare over security concerns.
2008: The ECB suspended all cricket ties with Zimbabwe.
2027-2031: The future tours cycle that would include the proposed Test.
Next year: Mosi-oa-Tunya International Cricket Stadium scheduled to open.
Sunday: ICC board expected to confirm the World Test Championship will remain at nine teams until at least 2029.
Travel Context
The proposed Test follows the ECB's 2008 suspension of cricket ties with Zimbabwe, which England maintained over government policies for more than two decades. A Test in Victoria Falls would be the first England fixture in Zimbabwe since the 2004 one-day series, marking a return to the country's cricket grounds.
Cricket fans planning travel to Victoria Falls should watch for a confirmed date before booking, since the Test has not yet been scheduled. The stadium's opening next year may also affect the availability of tickets and accommodation near the venue.
The takeaway
Fans and travellers should treat the Zimbabwe Test as a provisional commitment until the ECB publishes a confirmed date within its future tours schedule. The return to Zimbabwe would reopen a cricket relationship that England had suspended for almost two decades.
What happens next
The ICC board is expected to confirm on Sunday that the World Test Championship will remain at nine teams until at least 2029.
Further reading
For more on the region, explore Africa travel coverage on Wisevoter.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The Guardian.
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