Sundaymail Editor
Don Makanyanga
ZIMBABWE Cricket chairman Tavengwa Mukuhlani has welcomed the decision by the International Cricket Council (ICC) to award Zimbabwe hosting rights of the Women’s 2022 Cricket World Cup qualifiers.
In a statement released by the ICC on Thursday, the international cricket mother body confirmed that Zimbabwe will host the ICC Women’s 2022 Cricket World Cup qualifier 10-nation tournament from November 21 to December 5 this year.
“The ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup Qualifier is an extremely important event in our calendar as it not only provides teams with a chance to qualify for the World Cup but will also determine the final two participants in the next edition of the ICC Women’s Championship.
“I’m sure Harare will witness some keenly contested matches.
“I thank Zimbabwe Cricket for agreeing to host the tournament and wish teams all the best in their preparations for this important event,” said ICC Head of Events Chris Tetley.
The decision by the ICC to award Zimbabwe hosting rights has been welcomed by the ZC chairman, describing the development as a major milestone and a sign of confidence the international cricket controlling institution has placed on this country in hosting world tournaments.
“I wish to express our heartfelt thanks to the ICC board for their magnanimous gesture in allowing us the privilege of hosting the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup qualifier 2021.
“I believe being granted the right to host this tournament is a vote of confidence in what we as ZC are doing and what we are hoping to do,” said Mukuhlani.
He assured the ICC that ZC would not disappoint in the manner in which they will stage the event.
“On our part, we will leave no stone unturned to ensure this prestigious global event stands out as a unique event that celebrates Zimbabwe in all its magnificent splendour, richness, vibrancy, diversity and glory.
“You can rest assured we will not disappoint. We will not disappoint the nation of Zimbabwe and we will not disappoint the game of cricket,” said Mukuhlani.
The 10-teams that are set to participate in the qualifiers are Netherlands, Pakistan, Papua New Guinea, Sri Lanka, Thailand, the United States, West Indies and hosts Zimbabwe.
The top three teams from the qualifiers will join Australia, England, India, South Africa and New Zealand who have already sealed their places at the World Cup to be hosted by New Zealand from March 4 to April 3, 2022.
Online Reporter