Online Reporter
Brandon Moyo, Zimpapers Sports Hub
THE first ball of the ICC Men’s Under-19 Cricket World Cup 2026 will be bowled this morning.
For Zimbabwe, it begins on familiar turf, under familiar pressure, and with memories that still linger.
Queens Sports Club in Bulawayo, Takashinga Sports Club in Highfield and the HP Oval in Windhoek will all come alive today as Zimbabwe and Namibia co-host the global youth showpiece. It is the first time since 2018 that the country has staged an ICC event, a return that carries weight after years of administrative turbulence and international isolation.
At Takashinga, the home side, coached by former national captain Elton Chigumbura, open their campaign against Scotland. On the next pitch, tournament heavyweights India face the United States in a fixture that underlines how wide the junior game has spread. Over in Windhoek, Tanzania step onto the World Cup stage for the first time against the West Indies, a moment years in the making for the East Africans.
Zimbabwe’s Young Chevrons have been placed in Group C alongside England, Pakistan and Scotland, a demanding pool that leaves little room for early mistakes. All of their group matches will be played at Takashinga, a deliberate decision by organisers who wanted the hosts settled in one base rather than moving cities during the opening week.
The last time Zimbabwe hosted a junior World Cup, in 2018, the team exited early and the event was overshadowed by governance issues that later led to a temporary ICC suspension in 2019. That history hangs quietly in the background this week. Hosting again is not just about cricket; it is about credibility.
Zimbabwe Cricket chairperson Tavengwa Mukuhlani said the country was determined to show how far it has come.
“Playing on home soil is a powerful motivator and our young players are preparing with commitment, humility and pride to represent the nation,” Mukuhlani said. “Through improved governance, infrastructure development and investment in grassroots programmes, we have regained the confidence of the International Cricket Council.”
Mukuhlani said hosting the tournament was a responsibility ZC could not afford to mishandle.
“Being entrusted once again to host a global tournament is an honour we do not take lightly. Our venues are ready, our organising teams are fully engaged and our young cricketers are being supported to compete with confidence and integrity,” he said. “We want this tournament to reflect the warmth and professionalism of the Zimbabwean people.”
Beyond the hosts, the early schedule offers immediate intrigue.
Australia begin their title defence against Ireland in Windhoek tomorrow, while India and Bangladesh meet on Saturday in Bulawayo in one of the standout group clashes of the opening weekend.
The competition features four groups of four teams, followed by a Super Six stage, semi-finals and a final set for February 6 at Harare Sports Club. Sixteen teams will contest 41 matches across Zimbabwe and Namibia over the next three weeks.
In a rare move for an ICC event, all matches are free to attend. Organisers hope that open gates will draw families, schools and casual fans to venues that once served as the backbone of Zimbabwean cricket.
For Zimbabwe’s Under-19 side, captained by Simbarashe Mudzengerere and featuring players drawn from school, club and provincial systems, the challenge is immediate and unforgiving. England arrive with depth and pace, Pakistan with spin and experience, and Scotland with nothing to lose.
