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Alistair Campbell

Ricky Zililo Senior Sports Reporter
ZIMBABWE Cricket (ZC) have stepped up preparations for the return of international cricket to Bulawayo, with international and domestic (first class) cricket and commercial affairs director Alistair Campbell saying tour dates would be finalised in a few weeks’ time.

Campbell conducted an inspection of Bulawayo’s ceremonial home of cricket, Queens Sports Club, to identify facilities that needed upgrades to meet international standards.

Sources said at least $20,000 would be channelled towards the facelift of the ground’s changing rooms, toilets and VIP area.

“Bulawayo will certainly get international games. My inspection visit to Queens Sports Club at the weekend was to physically see what needed to be done so that the facility meets international standards. There are few issues like the dressing rooms and everything around the VIP area as well as some equipment that needs sprucing up. As it is, we are rounding up on budgets so that work starts soon,” said Campbell.

He declined to state the tours that would be brought to Bulawayo saying: “Dates for the international matches coming to Bulawayo will be available in about three to four weeks.”

ZC is bracing for a dramatic upturn of international games that would be split between Harare and Bulawayo.

Because of financial constraints, ZC will stage more matches in Harare.

Cricket giants India, New Zealand and a tri-series involving West Indies and Pakistan are some of the tours that have been confirmed.

India would be the first to tour and arrive next week for a limited overs series. The giant cricket nation will play three one-day internationals (ODIs) and two T20 matches at Harare Sports Club.

The Asians will arrive in Zimbabwe on July 7 for the ODIs set for July 10, 12 and 14. The T20 games will be played on July 17 and 19.

A week after India’s departure, New Zealand will arrive for a limited overs series from July 27 to August 10 before heading to South Africa.

After New Zealand’s visit, Zimbabwe will play a tri-series with Pakistan and the West Indies.

Matabeleland Tuskers Cricket Franchise chief executive officer Stanley Staddon is confident Queens Sports Club will host some tri-series games.

“Our guys have been busy working on getting the wickets and the field ready for international games. We’ve also been doing some work in the dressing rooms while waiting for ZC to approve the budget for renovations. If all goes well, we should be done with renovations by the end of July so that by the time Pakistan and West Indies land, we are ready to host them,” said Staddon.

ZC is also working on getting Ireland, Afghanistan and Bangladesh to tour Zimbabwe.