Zimbabwe To Receive Touring Fee From ECB For 2025 UK Tour

In a groundbreaking move, Zimbabwe will become the first team in modern cricket to receive a “touring fee” from the host nation during a bilateral series. This historic event will take place when Zimbabwe travels to England for a one-off Test match in the summer of 2025. England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) chief executive Richard Gould confirmed this development in an interview with Sky Sports, as reported by ESPNcricinfo.

Gould had previously advocated for this change, emphasizing the need for a collective effort by all full member nations to reduce revenue disparity and ensure the competitiveness of Test cricket. “There is a huge responsibility,” Gould explained to former England captain Mike Atherton on Sky Sports. He highlighted the need for major cricketing nations like India, Australia, and England to support this initiative.

Traditionally, touring teams are responsible for their travel costs and are provided accommodation and other necessities by the host country, but they do not receive a touring fee. Gould stated that starting next year, when Zimbabwe tours England, they will be paid a fee for their participation.

The high and increasing costs of touring and hosting Test matches have put smaller cricketing nations at a disadvantage, especially as broadcasting revenues have dwindled due to a lack of viewership. Earlier this year, Cricket West Indies (CWI) CEO Johnny Grave criticized the ICC’s revenue-sharing model, calling it “broken” after the West Indies incurred significant expenses touring Australia with no financial return.

Gould expressed his understanding and support for financially weaker boards like CWI, indicating a willingness to explore various ways to assist them. He mentioned previous efforts to help the West Indies, including arranging extra T20 matches and discussing potential support for an Under-19 tour to provide more red-ball cricket experience for their players in England.

This initiative aims to create a more equitable financial environment in international cricket, ensuring that smaller nations can continue to participate in and benefit from the sport at the highest levels.