Zimbabwe to Receive Historic Touring Fee in England Test Series
Zimbabwe will make history as the first country to receive a “touring fee” from the host board in bilateral cricket when they visit England for a two-Test series in the summer of 2025. This groundbreaking development was announced by ECB chief executive Richard Gould, who has been advocating for measures to address the financial disparities among Full Member nations and maintain the quality of Test cricket.
Gould’s proposal, which he initially presented in 2022, calls for host boards to compensate touring teams. He believes this will help offset the significant revenue gap between wealthier boards like the ECB, BCCI, and Cricket Australia, and those from smaller nations.
“There’s a huge responsibility for the ECB and other financially strong boards to ensure Test cricket remains competitive,” Gould stated. “The current revenue-sharing model is outdated and needs to be revised.”
The escalating costs of maintaining Test cricket in smaller countries, where broadcasting rights have become less valuable, have raised concerns about the sustainability of the format. CWI CEO Johnny Grave has criticized the ICC’s revenue-sharing model, arguing that it has failed to support weaker boards.
Gould expressed sympathy for boards like CWI and emphasized the need to find solutions to keep them competitive. “We’ve had conversations with the West Indies about providing assistance,” he said. “It’s not just about money; there are other ways to support them, such as organizing additional tours or providing opportunities for their players to gain experience in different conditions.”
ECB chair Richard Thompson has also highlighted the importance of ensuring a strong level of competition for both men’s and women’s teams. He noted that only 4% of the ECB’s annual income comes from ICC revenue distribution, with the majority derived from bilateral cricket broadcast rights.
“We need to share the value that the game creates to keep Test cricket strong,” Thompson said. “It’s an accepted principle, and we’re exploring different tactics to achieve it.”
The ECB’s decision to pay a touring fee to Zimbabwe is a significant step towards addressing the financial challenges faced by smaller cricket nations. It sets a precedent that could lead to a more equitable distribution of resources and help maintain the health and competitiveness of Test cricket worldwide.