Zimbabwe National Cricket Team Schedule (2026–2027) – Full Fixtures & Upcoming Matches
The Zimbabwe national cricket team enters a crucial phase in 2026 and 2027 with several important bilateral series lined up under the ICC Future Tour Program (FTP). As Zimbabwe continues to rebuild its cricketing strength, these upcoming fixtures offer competitive opportunities across all three formats — Test, ODI, and T20I.
In this detailed guide, we highlight the Zimbabwe cricket team fixtures, tour breakdowns, venues, and the next scheduled match, ensuring fans stay updated with the team’s international commitments.
Understanding the ICC Future Tour Program (FTP)
The ICC Future Tour Program is a decade-long scheduling structure designed to ensure every Test-playing nation competes in a minimum of two bilateral series (home and away) against each other.
Key points about FTP:
- It ensures equal playing opportunities for all nations.
- Boards may schedule additional series if mutually agreed.
- Series may be relocated to a neutral venue if security issues arise.
- for example, has hosted several home series in the UAE due to past security concerns.
This balanced framework helps developing teams like Zimbabwe maintain a consistent flow of international cricket.
Zimbabwe Cricket Team Schedule — 2026 to 2027
Below is the complete list of upcoming Zimbabwe fixtures under the ICC FTP cycle.
April – May 2026
Zimbabwe Tour of Pakistan 2026
- Matches: 3 ODI, 3 T20
- Venue: Pakistan
Zimbabwe’s 2026 calendar begins with a challenging away tour to Pakistan.
This series features:
- A 3-match ODI series
- A 3-match T20I series
Pakistan’s pace attack and spinning depth in home conditions present a stern test for Zimbabwe’s batting lineup. However, Zimbabwe has historically shown resilience on the subcontinent, making this an exciting contest.
July 2026
Bangladesh Tour of Zimbabwe 2026
- Matches: 2 Test, 5 ODI
- Venue: Zimbabwe
This is one of the biggest home series for Zimbabwe in 2026.
The tour includes:
- 2 Test matches, crucial for Zimbabwe’s red-ball development
- 5 ODIs, a format where Zimbabwe has traditionally competed strongly
Bangladesh has improved vastly over the past decade, but Zimbabwe at home remains unpredictable. These matches could have significant ranking implications for both sides.
December 2026 – January 2027
Zimbabwe Tour of Afghanistan 2026–27
- Matches: 2 Test, 3 ODI, 3 T20
- Venue: Afghanistan
Zimbabwe’s final assignment of the year is a multi-format tour to Afghanistan.
Breakdown of the series:
- 2 Test matches against Afghanistan’s rising red-ball team
- 3 ODIs
- 3 T20Is, where Afghanistan’s world-class spinners will look to dominate
Afghanistan’s pitches favour slow bowlers, meaning Zimbabwe must bring strong defensive skills and adaptable gameplay. These matches will also help Zimbabwe prepare for subcontinent-style conditions ahead of future ICC events.
Zimbabwe Next Match
Based on the FTP timeline you provided, the next confirmed international match for Zimbabwe will be:
April 2026 – 1st ODI vs Pakistan (Zimbabwe Tour of Pakistan 2026)
This marks the beginning of their official 2026 international season.
Zimbabwe Cricket Fixtures Summary (2026–2027)
| Month | Tour | Matches | Venue |
|---|---|---|---|
| Apr–May 2026 | Zimbabwe Tour of Pakistan | 3 ODI, 3 T20 | Pakistan |
| July 2026 | Bangladesh Tour of Zimbabwe | 2 Test, 5 ODI | Zimbabwe |
| Dec 2026 – Jan 2027 | Zimbabwe Tour of Afghanistan | 2 Test, 3 ODI, 3 T20 | Afghanistan |
This structured sequence ensures Zimbabwe remains active in all three formats over the next two seasons.
Why the 2026–2027 FTP Is Crucial for Zimbabwe
The upcoming fixtures play a critical role in Zimbabwe’s cricketing journey:
1. More Test Exposure
Zimbabwe receives 4 Test matches (2 vs Bangladesh, 2 vs Afghanistan), helping develop long-format discipline — an area where the team needs more match time.
2. Heavy Limited-Overs Focus
Across ODI and T20 formats, Zimbabwe will play:
- 8 ODIs
- 6 T20Is
on their 2026–27 calendar.
This helps the team stay sharp for global white-ball events.
3. Stronger Opposition
Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Afghanistan provide a perfect mix of pace, spin, and tactical challenges — ideal for Zimbabwe’s all-round development.
4. Opportunity for Rise in Rankings
Consistent series allow Zimbabwe to:
- Build new talent
- Strengthen squad depth
- Gain valuable ranking points
- Compete for future ICC event qualification
FTP Flexibility & Venue Adjustments
The ICC FTP allows rescheduling or relocation of series if needed, especially for security or logistical concerns.
For example:
- Pakistan has previously shifted home series to the UAE.
- If any venue change is ever needed, boards mutually select an alternative.
This ensures Zimbabwe’s international fixtures will proceed smoothly regardless of unexpected circumstances.
Conclusion
The Zimbabwe national cricket team schedule for 2026–2027 features a balanced mix of home and away series, providing essential exposure across all formats. With tours to Pakistan and Afghanistan and a major home series against Bangladesh, Zimbabwe will face tough but valuable competitive challenges.
Fans can look forward to a long season of cricket as Zimbabwe continues its efforts to strengthen its presence on the global stage. Whether you follow Test cricket, ODIs, or T20Is, this detailed FTP breakdown ensures you remain fully updated.
