MCC tours Zimbabwe for the first time in six decades

HARARE – The Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) will tour Zimbabwe this October for the first time in 60 years, marking a historic return since their last visit in 1964/65, as cricketing and cultural ties between Zimbabwe and England continue to strengthen. 

The prestigious English club will play seven matches across Kwekwe and Harare.  

The tour begins with two T20s on 6 October and a 50-over match on 7 October against provincial side Rhinos at Kwekwe Sports Club.  

The tourists will then face Zimbabwe A in a three-day first-class fixture from 10 to 12 October at Old Hararians Sports Club, before concluding with three T20s against the Zimbabwe Academy at Takashinga Cricket Club, two on 14 October and the final match on 15 October. 

Zimbabwe Cricket (ZC) Managing Director Givemore Makoni welcomed MCC’s return, describing it as a momentous occasion for both cricketing and diplomatic ties.  

“We are proud and thrilled to welcome MCC back to Zimbabwe after six decades,” he said.

 “This historic tour is a celebration of our cricketing heritage, an inspiration for our players and fans and a testament to the enduring friendship and cultural ties between Zimbabwe and England.”  

Rob Lynch, MCC’s Director of Cricket and Operations, said the club was looking forward to the tour.  

“We are pleased to be touring a Full Member nation as part of our overseas programme this year, with a focus on elite performance,” he said.  

MCC has named a strong 13-man squad for the tour, captained by Glamorgan batter Will Smale.   Nine players in the party have first-class and/or List A experience, highlighting the high-performance focus of the trip.  

Smale was a key figure in Glamorgan’s Metro Bank One-Day Cup campaign this summer, including a century against Surrey at the Kia Oval.   He is joined by Worcestershire’s Ben Allison, who helped his side win the One-Day Cup final, and Essex wicketkeeper Simon Fernandes.  

Kent leg-spinner Mo Rizvi, Scotland international Jasper Davidson and Joseph Davies, who earned his place following an impressive showing in the relaunched MCC Young Cricketers programme, are also included in the squad.  

“This is an exceptionally talented squad, with several players excelling in the domestic game and others with the potential to do so,” Lynch said.  

“The relaunch of the MCC Young Cricketers programme this summer was a success, and we’re thrilled to include a player who impressed through the scheme.” 

The MCC squad will be managed by Owen Dawkins, Gloucestershire’s Second XI and Batting Coach, and himself a former MCC Young Cricketer.  

Former England international and current ICC elite umpire Martin Saggers will officiate on the tour.  

Founded in 1787 and based at Lord’s Cricket Ground in London, MCC is widely regarded as the custodian of the game’s spirit and traditions.  

Once the governing body of world cricket, MCC remains responsible for the Laws of Cricket and continues to influence the global game. – ZimCricket