Team India will kickstart their Zimbabwe tour at a time when the nation is going through serious water shortages. Moreover, all three matches will be held in Harare – a city most affected by the crisis. As per the municipality council of Harare, the dams have dried up, and the water treatment plants are unable to meet the daily demands. 

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has asked its players and support staff to be mindful of water usage. They have advised the players to take quick showers, and minimise the time spent in the pool.

“Yes, the water situation in Harare is severe and the players have been informed about that. They have been asked not to waste water at any cost and take bath for as little time as possible. Also, pool sessions have been cut down to save water,” a BCCI official told InsideSport. 

In some parts of Harare, people have to queue up every day to store drinkable water. The biggest water treatment plant in the city has also run out of chemicals, and as a result, even premier hotels in the capital city are facing a water shortage. 

In 2018, the Indian touring contingent faced a similar problem in South Africa, where they were told not to take more than a two-minute shower. Both sides donated $8500 to Cape Town government to fight the water crisis.

The water scarcity will also affect the game, as the match is likely to be played on a dry and dusty pitch. One of the players from the India squad, however, mentioned the outfield is watered regularly and the ground is in relatively better shape. 

As far as the tour is concerned, the first ODI of the three-match series will take place on 18 August. This is a great opportunity for Team India to test its bench strength in the absence of regular starters. Shikhar Dhawan was announced as a captain, but had to step down once KL Rahul was declared fit for the tour. Rahul will look to ward off the rust before the much-anticipated Asia Cup, which begins later this month.

Lead image: BCCI