England ready to play first Test in Zimbabwe since bad-tempered 1996 tour
England has agreed to return to Zimbabwe for a Test match during the 2027-2031 international cricket cycle. This marks the first time the team will play a Test in the country since a contentious 1996 series that featured a tied match in Bulawayo and frustrated comments from the coach.
The upcoming fixture is scheduled to be held at the newly constructed Mosi-oa-Tunya International Cricket Stadium in Victoria Falls. This visit carries significant diplomatic weight, as England previously boycotted matches in the region for over two decades due to concerns regarding the local government and security.
The decision follows a period of strained relations that included the forfeiture of a 2003 World Cup match and a complete suspension of cricket ties in 2008.
