England agree in principle to Zimbabwe Test return

The Guardian reports England have accepted a Zimbabwe Test in principle; a date remains undecided.

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The countries' Test history gives the proposed return particular significance. Cricket Financial Journal reported in April that their only two Tests on Zimbabwean soil were played in December 1996, with both drawn. Their most recent bilateral series in Zimbabwe was in 2004. A four-day match at Trent Bridge in 2025 ended a 22-year gap between Test meetings, against a background of strained political relations during Robert Mugabe's rule.

The April report described discussions about combining Test cricket and one-day internationals on a future visit. It identified the new stadium at Victoria Falls as the likely setting and said organisers had been looking towards a trip before the 2027 World Cup. Those earlier discussions also considered attaching a Test to England's South Africa tour in late 2026 and early 2027, but highlighted difficulties fitting another match into the schedule.

The venue project is part of Zimbabwe's preparations to co-host the World Cup with South Africa and Namibia. In an October update, the International Cricket Council reported progress following an inspection of Harare, Bulawayo and Victoria Falls. Tournament officials Sarah Edgar and Hamilton Masakadza led the visit, assessing facilities across the country's host cities as preparations continued for the global competition.

That inspection began at Takashinga Cricket Club, which was being considered for World Cup warm-up matches, and also took in Harare Sports Club and Queens Sports Club. Edgar welcomed improvements to grounds and surrounding infrastructure, while describing Victoria Falls as a notable addition for travelling supporters. The ICC's update concerned readiness for the World Cup rather than confirmation of a bilateral England Test.

England already have a confirmed World Cup fixture in Zimbabwe. The ECB's published itinerary places them in Harare on 20 October 2027 against a qualifying team, between matches against South Africa and New Zealand in Gqeberha. The schedule also lists Victoria Falls on 30 October as a possible second-phase venue if England advance. Those World Cup arrangements are separate from the bilateral discussions.