The Zimbabwe national cricket team is preparing for a busy and competitive international calendar under the ICC’s Future Tour Program (FTP). With tours to Pakistan, home series against Bangladesh, and a multi-format battle against Afghanistan, Zimbabwe fans can expect months of action-packed cricket across all formats.
This article provides a detailed breakdown of the Zimbabwe cricket team’s upcoming fixtures, the importance of each tour, and everything you need to know about their schedule for 2026–2027.
Understanding the ICC Future Tour Program (FTP)
The Future Tour Program is an ICC-designed long-term international cricket schedule.
It ensures that:
- All Test-playing teams face each other at least two times within a 10-year period — once at home and once away.
- Boards can add extra tours if both parties agree.
- If security concerns arise, the series can be relocated to a neutral venue with proper facilities — such as the UAE, which has hosted multiple Pakistan “home” series.
This structure creates a balanced, predictable cricket calendar and provides equal exposure for developing teams like Zimbabwe.
- 3 ODI matches – crucial for ICC ODI rankings
- 3 T20 matches – ideal preparation for future T20 World Cup events
Pakistan’s fast-paced pitches and spin-friendly dry surfaces will test Zimbabwe’s adaptability and depth. Historically, Pakistan has been a difficult venue for visiting teams, giving Zimbabwe valuable experience against a strong cricketing nation.
📅 July 2026
Bangladesh Tour of Zimbabwe 2026
- Matches: 2 Test, 5 ODI
- Venue: Zimbabwe
Zimbabwe returns home for a major bilateral series against Bangladesh, spanning two formats:
🏏 2-Test Series
This Test series will carry significance for both nations in the World Test Championship cycle.
Zimbabwe’s home advantage, slower pitches, and spin conditions will challenge Bangladesh’s batting order.
🏏 5-ODI Series
A five-match ODI series gives Zimbabwe huge ranking opportunities.
These matches will help Zimbabwe strengthen their ODI squad and test their bench strength ahead of global tournaments.
This home series is expected to attract strong viewership and large crowds in Harare and Bulawayo.
📅 December 2026 – January 2027
Zimbabwe Tour of Afghanistan 2026–27
- Matches: 2 Test, 3 ODI, 3 T20
- Venue: Afghanistan
Zimbabwe ends 2026 and begins 2027 with a full-format tour of Afghanistan — one of their most important challenges of the season.
Test Series (2 matches)
Playing Tests in Afghanistan’s spin-dominated conditions will test Zimbabwe’s batting technique and solidify long-format strategy.
ODI Series (3 matches)
These matches will help both teams gain vital ODI ranking points and refine strategies ahead of ICC events.
T20 Series (3 matches)
Zimbabwe’s T20 side has shown improvement in recent years, and this series will give the squad the exposure it needs against Afghanistan’s world-class T20 players.
This multi-format tour ensures Zimbabwe gains continuous match practice and valuable experience across formats.
Zimbabwe Cricket Team – Next Match
Based on the FTP timeline provided, Zimbabwe’s next international match will be part of:
Zimbabwe Tour of Pakistan – April 2026
This begins with the first ODI of the 3-match ODI series in Pakistan.
Fans can expect a competitive start to the year as Zimbabwe faces a strong Pakistan side.
Why the 2026–2027 Schedule Is Crucial for Zimbabwe
The upcoming fixtures hold major importance for Zimbabwe for several reasons:
1. Multi-format Exposure
Zimbabwe will play Tests, ODIs, and T20Is across different regions — South Asia (Pakistan & Afghanistan) and at home.
This boosts player development and format-specific skills.
2. Ranking Opportunities
With ODI and Test series scheduled against Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Afghanistan, Zimbabwe can climb ICC rankings with strong performances.
3. Preparation for ICC Events
The heavy mix of limited-overs cricket is ideal preparation for:
- ICC ODI World Cup Qualifiers
- ICC T20 World Cup cycles
4. Growth of Zimbabwe Cricket
Regular international cricket helps:
- Local players gain confidence
- Strengthens Zimbabwe’s domestic system
- Attracts more attention to cricket within the country
5. Balanced Home and Away Tours
Zimbabwe will experience playing conditions in:
- Pakistan’s pace-friendly pitches
- Afghanistan’s turning tracks
- Their own home grounds in Harare, Bulawayo, and other venues
This variety will help the team evolve strategically.
ICC FTP Flexibility & Neutral Venues
According to ICC rules:
If any team is unable to travel to another country due to security or logistical concerns, their bilateral series can be relocated to a neutral venue, such as:
- The UAE
- Oman
- Sri Lanka
- Any ICC-approved country
This ensures the continuity of the FTP and allows teams like Zimbabwe to maintain consistent international play.
Conclusion
The Zimbabwe national cricket team schedule for 2026–2027 promises exciting cricket across all formats. With major tours to Pakistan and Afghanistan, along with a significant home series against Bangladesh, Zimbabwe will have plenty of opportunities to showcase their improvement on the global stage.
Whether you’re tracking Zimbabwe’s next match, or looking for a complete breakdown of their future fixtures, this FTP-based guide keeps you fully informed and ready for the action ahead.
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