Bulawayo Mayor David Coltart has taken to X (formerly Twitter) to raise concern regarding the omission of Bulawayo from hosting any of the five T20 matches between Zimbabwe and India slated for 6-14 July at Harare Sports Club.
Zimbabwe Cricket (ZC) together with the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) announced on Tuesday, that the Chevrons’ upcoming five match T20 series against India in July 2024 will be hosted in the capital.
Cricket fans ‘including’ Coltart himself, celebrated the big event but the venue selection has drawn criticism from the former Minister of Education, who continues to call for the need for ZC to decentralize match hosting.
Back in 2012, Coltart raised the same concern and wrote to the Sport and Recreation Commission (SRC) urging the body to ensure Queens Sports Club hosts international games.
Now, in 2024, he reiterates his demand, seeking an explanation from ZC following its recent decision set to see none of the upcoming T20 series games in July being played in Bulawayo, depriving the city’s cricket lovers an opportunity to watch the national team play.
“Please would Zimbabwe Cricket (ZC) explain why none of these matches are going to be played in Bulawayo?
“When last did Bulawayo have a top ranked side play T20 cricket against Zimbabwe?,” tweeted Coltart.
Furthermore, the Bulawayo Mayor also inquired: “When will Zimbabwe Cricket be installing lights at Queens ground?”.
This means there could infrastructure limitations at the venue and this could be hindering Bulawayo’s ability to host high profile cricket matches.
It is not the first time India has toured Zimbabwe with all matches taking place in Harare.
Previously, India toured Zimbabwe in 2013, 2015, 2016 and 2022.
