Cricket ground to provide bedrock for nurturing talent

CONSTRUCTION of the Mosi-oa-Tunya International Cricket Stadium in Victoria Falls is an exciting opportunity to cultivate grassroots sports and unearth future cricket stars in the region, Zimbabwe Cricket chairman Tavengwa Mukuhlani said yesterday.

Speaking at an event at which President Mnangagwa laid a foundation stone for the commencement of the construction, Mukuhlani said the 10 000-seater stadium would cement Victoria Falls’ reputation as a world-class tourist destination while promoting sports tourism.

As part of the Integrated Victoria Falls Special Economic Zone, the stadium would be constructed on 10 hectares of prime land that is part of the Masuwe Estate.

ZC has invested between US$5 million to US$10m in the project, the lion’s share of which was secured from the International Cricket Council.

The ground is to be used jointly with Namibia and South Africa to host the 2027 Cricket World Cup.
Mukuhlani said cricket has become a national obsession, passion and source of employment for many.

He said the ZC strategy provides a clear direction for planning for the development of community facilities and has identified key priority facilities in each province with a focus being constructing new stadia and improving and expanding the capacity of existing facilities.

“Zimbabwe Cricket with the help of the Government bid for two World Cups; the Under-19 World Cup in 2026 and the men’s World Cup in 2027 and won both. Nothing comes bigger than those two events. Our priority now is to ensure that we have enough suitable stadia to host events of such magnitude.

“One of those challenges is to ensure facilities meet the needs of users and are responding to the way cricket and community sport is being consumed. With more players and a range of cricket formats recently being introduced, the demand for cricket facilities and infrastructure is greater than ever.

“The beginning of our work on this eco-friendly project includes the construction of a playing field, practice nets, scoreboards, media centre, changing rooms, hospitality boxes, grandstand and other spectator areas. To be formally known as the Mosi-oa-Tunya International Cricket Stadium this is a unique facility that will fit into the surrounding environment as it will blend and connect with the context of the resort city.

“The 10 000-seater multi-purpose facility has been earmarked as one of the main venues for the ICC events. There will be a lasting legacy and a good story to tell after the ICC World Cup events. Long after the ICC World Cup is gone, the real lasting legacy will not just be a new stadium and training facilities, but a rise in the next generation of Zimbabwe cricketers. We want to see clubs, schools and provincial cricket thriving.

We want to see Victoria Falls and surrounding areas producing future international cricket stars. This is not just wishful thinking, we have a solid plan to make sure this becomes a reality,” said Mukuhlani.Mukuhlani said ZC has earmarked the development of other facilities in Gwanda, Esigodini, Gweru and Mutare, with the ultimate objective of growing the game to make it a sport for all. — @ncubeleon