Pakistan confirm Zimbabwe will tour from October

News

Cricket365
September 23, 2020

The Pakistan Cricket Board have confirmed they will welcome Zimbabwe for a T20 series as well as both countries first Cricket World Cup ODI Super League matches.

Zimbabwe will visit Pakistan for three ODIs, followed by as many T20Is. The ODI series begins on 30 October and forms part of the 2023 Cricket World Cup qualification pathway.

Zimbabwe will tour Pakistan

Having been granted permission by their government to travel to Pakistan Zimbabwe Cricket have assembled their players for a training camp in Harare.

The PCB welcomed the Zimbabwe tour which they hope will prove to the world that it is safe to tour Pakistan.

“The confirmation of the series schedule against Zimbabwe after having successfully hosted Sri Lanka and Bangladesh, as well as Marylebone Cricket Club and HBL Pakistan Super League V, in the 2019-20 season not only strengthens Pakistan’s reputation as a safe and secure country but also a healthy one after having successfully overcome the Covid-19 pandemic,” PCB Director – International Cricket, Zakir Khan said.

“This series is critical to Pakistan as it aspires to qualify directly for the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023 and, as such, every point in the Super League will count. Our last ODI series was against Sri Lanka, 12 months ago, so the boys will have to hit the ground running and try to pocket maximum points.

“We have strategically scheduled Zimbabwe’s matches in Multan and Rawalpindi, the venues which will be hosting the National T20 Cup from 30 September to 18 October. By the time Zimbabwe arrives, we would have gained enough experience on bio-securing hotels, player transportation, the venues and the players’ dressing rooms as the delivery of this series will be under strict Covid-19 protocols to ensure the health and safety of all participants.”

Back in action

While Pakistan played a Test and T20I series in England, Zimbabwe haven’t been in action since their visit to Bangladesh in March.

“We would like to extend our sincere gratitude to our Minister of Youth, Sport, Arts and Recreation, the Honourable Kirsty Coventry, the SRC (Sports and Recreation Commission) and the entire Government of Zimbabwe for authorising the tour,” said Zimbabwe Cricket chairman Tavenga Mukuhlani.

“Needless to say, we at ZC are bursting with excitement as we look forward to playing cricket again and representing our nation with pride and passion in Pakistan.”