Zimbabwe to Get Touring Fee from England Cricked Board for 2025 Tour

In a historic move for modern cricket, Zimbabwe will be the first country to receive a “touring fee” from the host board during a bilateral series. This groundbreaking arrangement will take place when Zimbabwe tours England in the summer of 2025 for a one-off Test match. This development marks a significant shift in the financial dynamics of international cricket, setting a precedent for future tours. The agreement ensures Zimbabwe’s participation and highlights the evolving landscape of cricket funding and collaboration between nations.

Richard Gould Proposed Great Initiative Previously:

Richard Gould first proposed the idea during a conversation with the Final World podcast last year. He suggested that to address the revenue imbalances among Full Member countries and maintain high standards in Test cricket, a unified effort was necessary. Gould emphasized that this collective push was crucial for the sustainability and quality of the sport.

One solution Gould has consistently advocated, including on two occasions this week, is for the host board to provide a fee to visiting teams. This approach aims to mitigate financial disparities and support the competitiveness of Test cricket globally.

Test cricket has seen a decline in popularity outside its traditional strongholds due to the global expansion of lucrative Twenty20 leagues. Additionally, smaller nations face increasing financial challenges, making it harder for them to sustain Test matches. This shift in focus has contributed to the reduced prominence of the longest format of the game.

Gould also emphasized that the ECB, along with other financially robust boards like those of India and Australia, bears a significant responsibility in preserving the competitiveness of Test cricket. He highlighted that these boards must play a crucial role in supporting and sustaining the sport to ensure it remains strong and competitive at the highest level.

England’s Great Initiative Towards Zimbabwe:

ECB chief executive Richard Gould announced this innovative initiative on Friday during the first day of the Edgbaston Test. He confirmed that Zimbabwe will be the first team in modern cricket to receive a “touring fee” from the host board for their 2025 summer tour of England, which includes a one-off Test match.

He said, “ There’s a huge responsibility. When you look at whether it’s the revenue share from the ICC or indeed the revenue share from bilateral cricket, which is fairly old fashioned in truth in the way that it’s delivered.”

He further said, “ For example, next year Zimbabwe are coming to tour [England]. Normally the way the things happen is that it’s the touring team gets itself into the country and then it’s looked after in terms of accommodation, all the rest of it. But there’s no fee for that team that’s touring. Next year when we play against Zimbabwe, there will be a fee for that team that’s touring.”

The Test match is scheduled for May, with the specific venue still to be determined. This upcoming series will be notable as it marks Zimbabwe’s first bilateral cricket tour to England since 2003. The match represents a significant event, given the long hiatus since their last visit. The choice of venue and the precise date will be confirmed in due course, adding to the anticipation of this historic tour.

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