India to tour Zimbabwe in July

Zimbabwe Cricket (ZC) has confirmed India’s tour to the country in July for three ODIs and two T20Is. It was confirmed by the board via Twitter that India will arrive on July 7.

ZC managing director and former captain Alistair Campbell said on Tuesday that the boards had already agreed on the tour schedule which is expected to be released shortly.

“I can confirm that it’s now a done deal. India are arriving on July 7 and will leave on the 20th after playing three ODIs and two T20s,” Campbell told ‘NewsDay Sport’.

He further said: “The schedule for the matches is almost done and should be released later this week. However, I can confirm that all the India matches will be played in Harare.”

India last toured Zimbabwe in July 2013 and won the five-match ODI series 5-0 under Virat Kohli’s captaincy.

India’s arrival next month is expected to commence a tight winter schedule for the hosts with visits by New Zealand, Pakistan and West Indies expected to follow until September.

Campbell said that New Zealand would tour Zimbabwe shortly after India’s departure. The Black Caps are scheduled to play three ODIs and one T20I before the reciprocal tour by Pakistan after Zimbabwe’s historic tour to Pakistan recently.

“We are very pleased that India are coming and the fact that New Zealand are coming just a week after India’s departure,” Campbell said. “There’s also Pakistan who are coming in August as part of the benefits for our tour there recently and there is another tour by West Indies in the pipeline.”

Zimbabwe Head Coach Dav Whatmore was also delighted at the prospect of a hectic schedule, that would give them a chance to climb up the ICC ODI rankings. Zimbabwe are currently placed 11 in the ODI rankings at the rating of 44 – 6 rating points behind Ireland. “The only way we can improve is by competition,” Whatmore said. “I am pleased that we have a good number of matches lined up, just like any full member. Next up is India and we will be looking to continue improving.”