England set for return to Zimbabwe as 2027 World Cup draw confirmed

Due to face a qualifier in Harare on October 20, in their first match in the country since 2004

England's 2027 ODI World Cup campaign will include a return to Zimbabwe for the first time in more than two decades, even though the two nations have been drawn in opposing groups for next year's tournament in Southern Africa.

On Thursday, England were drawn to face Bangladesh, South Africa, Sri Lanka and New Zealand in Group B, alongside an as-yet-undetermined qualifier, whom they are due to face in Harare on October 20, 2027, in their fourth match of the tournament.

England resumed bilateral relations with Zimbabwe last year, when they played a one-off Test at Trent Bridge in May 2025 - their first such fixture for 22 years. However, they have not faced each other in Zimbabwe since an ODI tour in November and December 2004, during an era of political unrest under the regime of former president Robert Mugabe.RelatedSouth Africa, Namibia to co-host World Cup Qualifiers from February 26 to March 21

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That tour followed a stand-off during the 2003 World Cup, the last to be staged in Southern Africa. Amid political pressure from the UK government, and in the wake of death threats from a group calling themselves the Sons and Daughters of Zimbabwe, England - under the captaincy of Nasser Hussain - opted not to travel to the country for their group-stage match with the tournament co-hosts.

That decision caused the match to be forfeited in Zimbabwe's favour, which in turn contributed to Zimbabwe's progression to the Super Six stage at England's expense. The teams have only met once in subsequent ICC events, at the inaugural World T20 in September 2007, when England won by 50 runs in Cape Town.

However, as last year's Test demonstrates, relations have since improved between the two boards. England's potential return to Zimbabwe has been discussed ahead of the next Future Tours Programme (FTP) for 2027 to 2031, which is due to be ratified next month. England also played in Zimbabwe throughout the Under-19 World Cup in February this year, including the final against the eventual champions, India.

The 2027 World Cup draw ensured that England will avoid both India, the tournament favourites, and Australia, the defending champions, at least until the Super 7 phase.

The identity of their Harare opponents will be confirmed at the World Cup Qualifiers, which are due to take place in South Africa and Namibia in February and March next year.

West Indies, Ireland, Scotland, Netherlands and Nepal - all of whom featured at the 2025 T20 World Cup - are among the 12 teams who will be competing for two remaining spots.