India to play five T20Is in Zimbabwe in July

Zimbabwe. (Photo by Ishara S. KODIKARA / AFP) (Photo by ISHARA S. KODIKARA/AFP via Getty Images)

India will travel to Zimbabwe in July 2024 to take on Sikandar Raza and Co. in a five-match T20I series. All five games will be played at the Harare Sports Club in Harare.

The 2024 edition of the T20 World Cup begins on June 2, while the summit clash is scheduled to be held on June 29. After their campaign in the marquee event, the ‘Men in Blue’ will be heading to Zimbabwe to play a bilateral series against the African nation for the first time in two years.

On Tuesday, February 6, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and Zimbabwe Cricket (ZC) announced the itinerary for the series. The matches will be played on July 6, 7, 10, 13, and 14.

ZC released a statement where they said that the series has been planned after having fruitful discussions with the BCCI.

“The confirmation of this tour comes after productive discussions between ZC and the BCCI, with the primary objective of fortifying bilateral ties and fostering a spirit of collaboration between the two cricketing boards,” ZC mentioned in its statement.

ZC Chairman Tavengwa Mukuhlani expressed his excitement after India agreed to play the series and hailed the cricket-crazy country’s contribution to the sport.

“We are absolutely thrilled to be hosting India for a T20I series in July in what will be our biggest international attraction at home this year. The game of cricket has always immensely benefited from India’s influence and dedication to the sport, and I would like to say a huge thank you to the BCCI for committing to tour Zimbabwe once again,” Mukuhlani said in ZC’s statement.

“The significance and magnitude of this tour cannot be over-emphasised, especially as it is coming at a time we are working round the clock to re-establish ourselves as a force to reckon with at the highest level of the game,” he added.

BCCI secretary Jay Shah noted that the BCCI has always tried its best to contribute to the global cricket community and said that the board is willing to help fellow member boards in taking the sport to new heights.

“The BCCI has always played a pioneering role in contributing to the global cricketing community. We understand that it is a period of rebuilding for Zimbabwe, and Zimbabwe Cricket needs our support at this juncture. Our steadfast commitment to touring and supporting fellow member boards aligns with our principle of bringing about a positive transformation within the cricketing landscape. The BCCI will do its best to make bilateral cricket stronger and commercially more viable. Our pledge to support Zimbabwe Cricket reflects a shared vision for the growth and prosperity of cricket on the international stage,” Shah stated.

India whitewashed Zimbabwe in a three-match ODI series on their last trip to the African nation in 2022. Shubman Gill, who scored his maiden ODI century on that tour, was named the Player of the Series after finishing as the top run-getter.