The Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) will make a historic return to Zimbabwe this October, embarking on their first tour of the country in 60 years.
The last time the prestigious English club visited was during the 1964/65 season, and the upcoming trip marks a significant moment in the strengthening of cricketing and cultural ties between Zimbabwe and England.
The tour will feature seven matches played across Kwekwe and Harare. Proceedings begin at Kwekwe Sports Club on 6 October with two T20s against provincial side Rhinos, followed by a 50-over match on 7 October.
The MCC will then face Zimbabwe A in a three-day first-class fixture at Old Hararians Sports Club from 10 to 12 October, before wrapping up with three T20s against the Zimbabwe Academy at Takashinga Cricket Club on 14 and 15 October.
Zimbabwe Cricket Managing Director Givemore Makoni hailed the tour as a landmark occasion. “We are proud and thrilled to welcome MCC back to Zimbabwe after six decades,” Makoni 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, echoed the excitement, emphasizing the club’s commitment to high-level competition. “We are pleased to be touring a Full Member nation as part of our overseas programme this year, with a focus on elite performance,” Lynch said. “This is an exceptionally talented squad, with several players excelling in the domestic game and others with the potential to do so.”
Related Stories
The MCC has named a 13-man squad for the trip, led by Glamorgan batter Will Smale, who impressed during this summer’s Metro Bank One-Day Cup with a century against Surrey at the Kia Oval. Smale is joined by Worcestershire’s Ben Allison, a key figure in his side’s One-Day Cup triumph, as well as Essex wicketkeeper Simon Fernandes. Kent leg-spinner Mo Rizvi, Scotland international Jasper Davidson and Joseph Davies, who earned selection after standout performances in the relaunched MCC Young Cricketers programme.
“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,” Lynch added.
The touring party 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 during the matches.
Founded in 1787 and based at Lord’s Cricket Ground in London, the MCC is regarded as the custodian of cricket’s spirit and traditions. Although no longer the governing body of world cricket, the club remains responsible for maintaining the Laws of Cricket and continues to play a vital role in promoting the game globally.
Today, the MCC is considered the most active cricket club in the world, with thousands of members playing more than 400 matches each year, many of them overseas tours designed to foster cricketing development and international goodwill.
Leave Comments