|| CF DESK ||

The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) will become the first modern host board to pay a touring fee for bilateral cricket when Zimbabwe arrives for a one-off Test next year, according to ECB chief Richard Gould.

Gould informed Sky Sports on Friday that the ECB, along with other financially strong boards like those in India and Australia, has a significant responsibility to maintain the competitiveness of Test cricket.

The longest format of the sport has seen a decline in popularity outside its traditional strongholds due to the global rise of lucrative Twenty20 leagues and the financial challenges smaller countries face in sustaining Test cricket.

"Typically, whether it's revenue share from the ICC or bilateral cricket, the system is quite outdated. Usually, the touring team handles its own travel to the host country and is then provided with accommodation and other necessities, but no fee is paid for the tour. Next year, when Zimbabwe visits, a fee will be paid to the touring team." Gould explained.

The Test match is scheduled for May at a yet-to-be-determined venue, marking Zimbabwe's first bilateral cricket tour to England since 2003.