Clive Lloyd Trophy
The Clive Lloyd Trophy is a sign of great cricket play and strong competition. It was called after Clive Lloyd, one of the best cricket players from the West Indies. West Indies and Zimbabwe are the two teams competing in this renowned event. Both have long histories, but their ways of play are very different. The competition between West Indies and Zimbabwe in cricket has had its ups and downs, but it has also produced some exciting moments over the years. The most recent edition of the Clive Lloyd Trophy, contested between West Indies and Zimbabwe in 2023, was won by the West Indies, who claimed the Test series 1-0 after drawing the first match and winning the second.
Zimbabwe Cricket (ZC)
Introduction
The Clive Lloyd Trophy is one of a kind in the huge and historic world of international cricket, where rivals make people very angry and prizes are signs of hard-fought wins. This trophy, which is named after the famous West Indies captain Clive Hubert Lloyd, is the most prized prize in the Test series between the West Indies and Zimbabwe. It's not just a series win; it's also a sign of how strong Test cricket is and how historically connected these two cricketing countries are. The Clive Lloyd Trophy isn't as well known around the world as some other mutual awards, but its past is full of exciting games that show how tough and talented both teams are. This piece goes into great detail about the history, structure, and important events of this interesting Test cricket rivalry. It looks at its past, present, and possible future.
While you're here, you can also read this entire article in Hindi (क्लाइव लॉयड ट्रॉफी हिंदी समीक्षा) for a culturally familiar perspective on player performances, past match moments, and more about the West Indies vs Zimbabwe cricket rivalry.
Before we talk about the prize itself, it's important to recognize the huge person whose name it bears. Along with being a smart leader, Sir Clive Lloyd was a huge left-handed batter who led the West Indies to unmatched success in the late 1970s and early 1980s. With their dangerous pace trio and bold hitting, the West Indies became almost unbeatable while he was captain. They changed the game of Test cricket. His guidance created a sense of pride and professionalism that changed the way the game was played. Putting an important person's name on a Test prize makes it more important and serves as a steady reminder of the high standards he set. It's a link to the best years of West Indian cricket, which will inspire people today and in the future.
Over the years, the Clive Lloyd Trophy cricket history has grown into a modest but symbolic narrative of determination and evolution between two passionate cricketing nations. While not contested annually, the rivalry still carries meaning for cricket fans, historians, and analysts, especially on IndiaBetMaster.com, where attention to Test cricket's legacy remains strong. Whether you're here to understand past scorelines or to explore the history, structure, and defining moments of this Test rivalry, the contest provides a unique case of long-form cricket developing across generations.
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Current Season
Currently, there is no officially scheduled Clive Lloyd Trophy Test series between West Indies and Zimbabwe in the current or upcoming cycle. While the ICC’s Future Tours Programme (FTP) outlines most international cricket events well in advance, bilateral fixtures like this are often subject to change or deferment depending on logistical priorities, regional commitments, and board-level agreements. The Clive Lloyd Trophy, which marks the Test rivalry between the two sides, has not yet appeared in any formal Test tour calendar for the 2025-2026 season or beyond.
Despite the absence of confirmed dates, the historical connection and cricketing rapport between West Indies and Zimbabwe keeps this fixture relevant. Both nations share a competitive but respectful Test history, with West Indies holding the advantage in their previous Clive Lloyd Trophy contests. The most recent series took place in Zimbabwe in 2022-2023, when West Indies won 1-0 after the first Test ended in a draw. For now, however, no new match window or venue has been announced for the trophy. :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}
In terms of the trophy's history, West Indies remain the current holders of the Clive Lloyd Trophy after their 1-0 series victory in 2022-2023. That result continued West Indies' strong record in the contest, while Zimbabwe will be looking to challenge that advantage when the two sides next meet in a Test series. Although there is no active current season for the Clive Lloyd Trophy at this time, the potential return of the series remains relevant for supporters of Test cricket and international cricket.
Until an official schedule is released, the rivalry rests in anticipation. When the series does return, it will renew a Test contest that has produced five Clive Lloyd Trophy series since the trophy was first introduced in 2001. West Indies have won all five of those series, with the latest victory coming in 2022-2023. The absence of a confirmed new series leaves the next chapter of the Clive Lloyd Trophy rivalry to be determined by the future international schedule.
Ongoing September 2026 Events
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ICC World Test Championship (WTC) Test | June 17, 2025 – June 13, 2027 | LIVE |
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England vs Pakistan Test | August 19, 2026 – September 13, 2026 | |
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European T20 Premier League (ETPL) T20 | August 26, 2026 – September 20, 2026 | LIVE |
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Women's Asia Cup T20I | August 28, 2026 – September 13, 2026 | |
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Cricket at the Asian Games T20I | September 17, 2026 – October 3, 2026 | |
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South Africa vs Australia Tour | September 24, 2026 – October 31, 2026 |
Ongoing September 2026 Events
|
ICC World Test Championship (WTC) Test | June 17, 2025 – June 13, 2027 | LIVE |
|
ICC Women's Championship ODI | February 20, 2026 – April 15, 2029 | LIVE |
|
County Championship FC | April 3, 2026 – September 27, 2026 | LIVE |
|
Women's One-Day Cup List A | April 11, 2026 – September 20, 2026 | LIVE |
|
One-Day Cup List A | July 21, 2026 – September 20, 2026 | LIVE |
|
Caribbean Premier League (CPL) T20 | August 7, 2026 – September 20, 2026 | LIVE |
|
England vs Pakistan Test | August 19, 2026 – September 13, 2026 | |
|
Duleep Trophy FC | August 23, 2026 – September 10, 2026 | |
|
European T20 Premier League (ETPL) T20 | August 26, 2026 – September 20, 2026 | LIVE |
|
Women's Asia Cup T20I | August 28, 2026 – September 13, 2026 | |
|
Women's Caribbean Premier League (WCPL) T20 | September 5–17, 2026 | LIVE |
|
Minor League Cricket (MiLC) T20 | September 17, 2026 – October 25, 2026 | |
|
Cricket at the Asian Games T20I | September 17, 2026 – October 3, 2026 | |
|
South Africa vs Australia Tour | September 24, 2026 – October 31, 2026 |
Previous Seasons
The Clive Lloyd Trophy is the official Test cricket prize contested between West Indies and Zimbabwe, first introduced in 2001 to recognize their bilateral red-ball rivalry. The series has usually been played as compact two-Test contests, hosted either in Zimbabwe or across Caribbean venues, with West Indies consistently emerging as the dominant side. Across its editions, the Trophy has featured contrasting conditions, long spells from specialist bowlers and resilient batting phases from both teams, while keeping the format simple and easy to follow. Over time, the Clive Lloyd Trophy has become a useful reference point for fans following the history, structure and match narratives of West Indies vs Zimbabwe Test cricket.
Past Clive Lloyd Trophy Editions
- 2022-2023 Series (Zimbabwe)
The 2022-2023 Clive Lloyd Trophy was played in Zimbabwe, with two Tests hosted at Queens Sports Club in Bulawayo in February 2023. West Indies won the series 1-0, retaining the Trophy after drawing the opening Test and then clinching the second by an innings and 4 runs. Left-arm spinner Gudakesh Motie delivered a standout performance across the series and was named Player of the Series, underlining the continued impact of spin in the contest. The structure remained straightforward, with no separate tiers or finals, keeping the focus on pure Test cricket and match-by-match momentum.
From a broader perspective, this edition reinforced the long-running history between West Indies and Zimbabwe in Test cricket. The series provided plenty of interest around team selections, pitch behaviour and shifts in momentum across the two matches. For followers who enjoy match previews, tactical breakdowns and long-format storylines, the 2022-2023 Clive Lloyd Trophy offered a clear, narrative-rich contest within the international Test calendar.
- 2017-2018 Series (Zimbabwe)
The 2017-2018 Clive Lloyd Trophy was also staged in Zimbabwe, with two Tests played in Bulawayo in October and early November 2017. West Indies secured the Trophy 1-0, winning the first Test by 117 runs before the second ended in a hard-fought draw. Leg-spinner Devendra Bishoo was named Player of the Series, reflecting his decisive contribution with the ball across the two matches. The series followed the familiar two-Test format, with the Trophy decided on overall results rather than a separate final.
This edition carried additional significance for Zimbabwean cricket, as the team returned to Test action at home after a lengthy gap between home Test series. The contest also featured several notable individual storylines, including the return of Brendan Taylor and Kyle Jarvis to the Zimbabwe Test squad. For fans who enjoy match analysis and pre-series discussions, the 2017-2018 cycle offered a clear storyline: Zimbabwe aiming to challenge a more experienced West Indies side in demanding conditions.
- 2012-2013 Series (West Indies)
The 2012-2013 Clive Lloyd Trophy was played in the West Indies during March 2013, with two Tests hosted at Bridgetown and Roseau. West Indies dominated the series 2-0, winning both matches and showcasing a strong spin attack led by off-spinner Shane Shillingford, who was named Player of the Series. The final Test result confirmed a clean sweep for the hosts, underlining their control over home conditions and their depth in long-format bowling resources.
Structurally, the series remained a simple two-Test contest, making it easy for fans to follow team strategies and match progression without additional tournament layers. For followers who track team form, squad selection and surface behavior, the 2012-2013 edition provided useful context on how West Indies approached Test cricket in the Caribbean and how Zimbabwe adapted to unfamiliar conditions.
- Earlier Test Series
Earlier Clive Lloyd Trophy editions established the competitive pattern that still defines the rivalry. The inaugural 2001 series in Zimbabwe was a two-Test contest that West Indies won 1-0, with Chris Gayle named Player of the Series and the visitors controlling key sessions. The 2003-2004 edition, again in Zimbabwe, followed a similar script: West Indies claimed the Trophy 1-0, combining strong batting with disciplined bowling to manage the conditions effectively. Before the Trophy was formally named, the 1999-2000 two-Test series in the West Indies ended 2-0 in favour of the hosts, a precursor that helped provide the background for the named trophy between the two teams.
Across these earlier editions, West Indies built a clear record of success, winning every Clive Lloyd Trophy series and setting the tone for how the contest developed in Test cricket. Zimbabwe, meanwhile, used these tours to face experienced opposition and challenging conditions, adding valuable context to the teams' long-format history. For fans who enjoy long-term trend analysis, team history and context-rich coverage, the early Clive Lloyd Trophy years offer a compact but meaningful record: multiple two-Test series, alternating hosts and a rivalry that has continued to add new chapters.
| Season | Champion | Runner-up | Final Result | Event / Final Location |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Clive Lloyd Trophy | ||||
| 2022-2023 | West Indies | Zimbabwe | West Indies won 1-0 (2 Tests) | Zimbabwe |
| 2017-2018 | West Indies | Zimbabwe | West Indies won 1-0 (2 Tests) | Zimbabwe |
| 2012-2013 | West Indies | Zimbabwe | West Indies won 2-0 (2 Tests) | West Indies |
| 2003-2004 | West Indies | Zimbabwe | West Indies won 1-0 (2 Tests) | Zimbabwe |
| 2001 | West Indies | Zimbabwe | West Indies won 1-0 (2 Tests) | Zimbabwe |
| Test Series | ||||
| 1999-2000 | West Indies | Zimbabwe | West Indies won 2-0 (2 Tests) | West Indies |
* Refers only to Test cricket encounters
History and Structure
The first Clive Lloyd Trophy came into existence in 2001 when the West Indies played a two-Test series in Zimbabwe. But the rivalry between West Indies and Zimbabwe in Test matches started before the trophy was introduced. During the 1999-2000 season, the two countries played their first Test series against each other. It was a two-Test series, and the West Indies won both matches 2-0. This first series set the stage for the later creation of the trophy, which would be awarded for Test series between the two teams.
The format of the Clive Lloyd Trophy has been based on Test cricket, with two matches making up each series contested for the trophy. Even though this format is shorter than some multi-Test series, it still gives players plenty of opportunities to demonstrate their strategic skills, individual talent, and resilience across long-format cricket. The trophy goes to the team that wins the series. If the series is drawn, the existing holder retains the trophy. The two-Test format gives both teams enough time to build pressure, adapt to conditions, and produce decisive moments, making the Clive Lloyd Trophy a notable fixture in the international Test cricket schedule.
The trophy is contested between Cricket West Indies (CWI) and Zimbabwe Cricket (ZC). It represents the cricketing ties between the two boards and provides another chapter in the Test rivalry between the teams. Both sides have experienced different periods of success in international cricket, while the Clive Lloyd Trophy has remained part of their Test schedules. For Zimbabwe, matches against an experienced Test side such as the West Indies provide valuable opportunities to develop as a team and compete at the highest level of the format. The simple structure of the series makes it easy for fans to follow the results and understand what is at stake.
Future Outlook and the Rivalry's Evolution
The rivalry between West Indies and Zimbabwe in cricket has been an important part of both teams' Test match journeys. These games give the West Indies opportunities to assess their combinations, develop younger players, and test their plans in different conditions. For Zimbabwe, facing a Test-playing country such as the West Indies, with its long cricketing history, provides valuable exposure and an opportunity to measure their progress against established international opposition.
Zimbabwe's journey in Test cricket has included periods of strong performances as well as difficult spells. Taking part in Test series such as the Clive Lloyd Trophy is important for maintaining regular high-level competition and continuing their development in the format. As Zimbabwe look to become more competitive in Test cricket, every match against an experienced team like the West Indies offers another opportunity to learn and improve.
For fans, the results have largely favored the West Indies, but Zimbabwe has produced individual performances and determined team efforts that have made several contests competitive. Zimbabwe has also shown an ability to withstand pressure and force drawn matches, including in the Clive Lloyd Trophy. The West Indies have remained the dominant side in the trophy's history, while Zimbabwe's search for a first series win keeps future meetings an interesting part of the rivalry.
Final Thoughts
The Clive Lloyd Trophy has grown into one of the more distinctive bilateral contests in Test cricket, shaped by its compact structure and the contrasting cricketing identities of West Indies and Zimbabwe. Across its history, the Trophy has highlighted the value of disciplined red-ball cricket, where long spells, patient batting and tactical clarity often decide the rhythm of a series. The event’s continuity over multiple cycles has helped preserve a clear narrative, allowing fans to follow how both teams evolve across different eras while still staying rooted in the traditions of Test cricket.
What stands out most is how the Trophy consistently produces meaningful passages of play, even in shorter two-Test formats. West Indies have traditionally held the upper hand, yet Zimbabwe’s resilience and periodic breakthroughs have added depth to the rivalry. Each edition has contributed its own storyline, whether through decisive spin spells, emerging talents or the way conditions shape the contest. These elements combine to give the Clive Lloyd Trophy a recognizable character, one that reflects both competitive ambition and the enduring appeal of long-format cricket.
As the competition continues to find its place within the modern international calendar, it remains a reminder of how bilateral Test cricket can still deliver context, heritage and high-quality sessions. The Trophy’s legacy is built on consistency, memorable individual performances and the steady renewal of a rivalry that has spanned multiple generations. It stands as a reliable fixture for followers who appreciate the craft of Test cricket and the subtle shifts that define a well-fought series.
Did You Know
