Online Reporter
Eddie Chikamhi
Zimpapers Sports Hub
ZIMBABWE Cricket are confident the construction of the Mosi-oa-Tunya International Cricket Stadium is on course to meet the August deadlines when the association expects the facility to host its first first-class matches.
Speaking after a tour of the facility at the weekend, ZC chairman Tavengwa Mukuhlani said the 10 000-seater arena, also known as the Victoria Falls Multi-purpose Cricket Ground, is now at an advanced stage of completion.
Built with the ICC for World Cup 2027 to be co-hosted by Zimbabwe, Namibia and South Africa in mind, the stadium aims to make Victoria Falls a tourism hub and a destination venue for international touring teams.
Mukuhlani, who accompanied the Ministry of Sport, Recreation, Arts and Culture permanent secretary and senior officials from the Sports and Recreation Commission on the tour of the facility, told Zimpapers Sports Hub that the stadium is earmarked to open its doors in August for domestic first-class cricket and then host its first international match early next year in preparation for the ICC World Cup 2027.
“Of course, we are well ahead of schedule. There has been a lot of progress on the ground,” said Mukuhlani.
The facility, which is situated on the backdrop of the mighty Victoria Falls, is designed to provide scenic views for the touring teams and will be one of the main hosting venues for the ICC World Cup 2027.
The multi-purpose stadium has modern amenities including a professional playing field, state-of-the-art changing rooms, a players’ pavilion, practice nets, electronic scoreboards, hospitality suites, media centre and broadcasting facilities, as well as a VIP grandstand and other spectator areas.
“The brick work on the outbuildings is almost done,” said Mukuhlani.
“We are waiting for the bucket seats that should be arriving in the country in early May. We are also expecting the pre-fabricated steel roofing material in May as well as the various brass and aluminium fittings.
“So, from the construction side, we have covered a lot of ground. What’s remaining now are the fittings and the loose furniture. By December we should have a complete stadium, and early next year it should host its first international match,” said Mukuhlani.
The pitch comprises six black-soil wickets, which are on the final stages of preparation.
“The centre wicket is what is important, and as we speak it’s now around 95 percent ready. The 30-yard circle is 90 percent and the outfield 70 percent.
“So, we are confident that come August the field of play will be 100 percent and we will play our first first-class game there,” said Mukuhlani.
Zimbabwe Cricket are also working on existing infrastructure in preparation for the ICC World Cup 2027.
They have recently inaugurated a new indoor training facility and have plans for the reconstruction of the famous Castle Corner grandstand and other areas.
Queens Sports Club in Bulawayo will also receive a facelift, with new floodlights this year, while Takashinga, which has since been upgraded to an international cricket venue, faces further expansion.
Zimbabwe Cricket have also indicated plans to modernise facilities and build structures in Masvingo, Mutare, Kwekwe, Gweru and Mhondoro-Ngezi ahead of the ICC World Cup 2027.
