Zimbabwe to Receive Historic Touring Fee in England's 2025 Test Match

For the first time in modern cricket, Zimbabwe will receive a 'touring fee' from the hosts during their one-off Test match against England in 2025. The ECB aims to address revenue disparities to ensure competitive Test cricket globally.

In an unprecedented move, Zimbabwe will become the first team in modern cricket history to receive a 'touring fee' from the hosts during their visit to England for a one-off Test match in the summer of 2025. This groundbreaking decision was confirmed by Richard Gould, CEO of the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB), in an interview with Sky Sports as reported by ESPNCrinfo.

Gould highlighted the need for a collective effort among all full member nations in cricket to eliminate revenue disparities and deliver high-quality Test cricket to players and fans. 'There is a huge responsibility,' Gould stated, emphasizing the importance of big cricketing nations like India, Australia, and England in ensuring competitiveness in Test cricket. He pointed out that the current revenue sharing model from the ICC and bilateral cricket is outdated.

'For example, next year Zimbabwe are coming to tour [England],' said Gould. 'Normally, the touring team is responsible for their own travel and is only looked after in terms of accommodation once they arrive. However, there has been no fee for the touring team. Next year, when we play against Zimbabwe, there will be a fee for that team,' he concluded. The high costs of touring and the negligible broadcasting rights in smaller countries have raised doubts about the sustainability of Test cricket. Earlier this year, Cricket West Indies (CWI) CEO highlighted the broken revenue-sharing model after their series against Australia.

Gould expressed sympathy for financially weaker cricket boards like the CWI and remains optimistic about finding ways to support them. West Indies is currently playing a three-match series against England in the UK. 'I had conversations with the West Indies six, nine months back before they arrived, [about] what assistance we can provide. It's not always about money; there are different ways of supporting,' Gould noted, adding that the ECB had played extra T20s to help CWI and also discussed more opportunities for their Under-19 players in the Test match cycle.

(With inputs from agencies.)