Zimbabwe Cricket to Tour India in 2027 Ending 25-Year Hiatus

Zimbabwe will tour India in early 2027 for a three-match One-Day International series, ending a 25-year absence from bilateral cricket tours in the Asian country. The fixtures were confirmed as part of India’s international home season schedule for 2026–27.

The announcement was made by the Board of Control for Cricket in India, which outlined a multi-format season featuring four visiting teams: West Indies, Sri Lanka, Zimbabwe, and Australia. Zimbabwe’s tour will consist of three ODI matches scheduled between January 3 and January 9, 2027.

According to the schedule, matches between Zimbabwe and India will be played in Kolkata, Hyderabad, and Mumbai. The series marks Zimbabwe’s first tour of India since March 2002, when the two teams played a five-match ODI series that ended in a 3–2 victory for the hosts.

Zimbabwe Cricket chairman Tavengwa Mukuhlani welcomed the development and described it as an important step for the national team. He said the opportunity to play against stronger teams is essential for improving performance and building competitiveness.

“It means a lot for the players because there is no other way of improving the game and overall team performance outside of playing those that are better than you,” Mukuhlani said. He added that the tour presents a chance for young players to gain experience ahead of future international tournaments.

Mukuhlani also noted that Zimbabwe’s return to touring India follows improved performances on the global stage. At the recent ICC T20 World Cup, Zimbabwe reached the Super Eight stage after recording wins against Australia and Sri Lanka.

Opportunities to compete against top cricket nations have been limited in recent years due to a period of decline in Zimbabwe’s performance. However, recent results have helped restore the team’s presence in international cricket and contributed to renewed engagement with major cricket boards.

Zimbabwe last toured India in 2002, while India has visited Zimbabwe several times since then, including tours in 2006, 2010, 2013, 2015, 2016, and 2022. Mukuhlani acknowledged India’s continued support during periods when other cricket boards showed less interest in bilateral engagements.

“For the record, India has been very supportive of Zimbabwe for many years,” Mukuhlani said. He added that such tours have provided financial benefits through sponsorship and broadcasting opportunities, which have been important for the development of cricket in Zimbabwe.

Mukuhlani described the upcoming tour as a long-awaited opportunity and thanked the Indian cricket board for hosting Zimbabwe. He said the series would help prepare the team for the ICC Cricket World Cup 2027, which Zimbabwe will co-host alongside South Africa and Namibia.

Zimbabwe is also planning additional international fixtures as part of its preparations. The team is scheduled to tour Pakistan next month for three ODIs and three T20 internationals. A home series against Bangladesh is also being arranged, which is expected to include two Test matches and five ODIs.

Further engagements are planned later in the year, including a possible tour by Afghanistan. The proposed series is expected to feature two Test matches, three ODIs, and three T20 internationals, adding to Zimbabwe’s growing international calendar.

Mukuhlani also revealed that discussions are ongoing for India to tour Zimbabwe later this year and again in 2028. These proposed tours reflect continued cooperation between the two cricket boards and efforts to strengthen bilateral relations.

The 2027 tour represents a key moment for Zimbabwe cricket as it seeks to rebuild its position on the global stage. With increased exposure against top teams and a packed schedule ahead, the Chevrons are expected to use the opportunity to improve performance and prepare for major competitions.