Zimbabwe To Host India For Five-Match T20I Series In Harare After T20 World Cup 2024 In July

New Delhi: After the conclusion of the T20 World Cup 2024 in USA and West Indies, the Indian men’s cricket team will be heading to Zimbabwe for a five-match T20I series in July, Zimbabwe Cricket announced on Tuesday. The matches will be played on July 6, 7, 10, 13 and 14, with all the games to be played at Harare Sports Club. The T20 World Cup starts on June 1 and ends on January 29.

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

“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,” Zimbabwe Cricket chairman Tavengwa Mukuhlani said.

“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.

“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,” BCCI secretary Jay Shah said.

“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,” he added. India have played eight T20Is so far in the shortest format, winning six and losing two.

Interestingly, seven of India’s eight T20Is were played in Zimbabwe. The other game was during the 2022 T20 World Cup at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. For the unknown, Zimbabwe didn’t qualify for the mega showpiece in USA and West Indies after finishing third in the Africa Region Qualifiers.

With just four wins from six matches, Zimbabwe finished behind Namibia and Uganda. Both of Zimbabwe’s losses came against Namibia and Uganda. It was Uganda’s first-ever qualification for an ICC main event.