Online Reporter
Brandon Moyo, Zimpapers Sports Hub
THE countdown to the ICC Men’s Under 19 Cricket World Cup 2026 officially bowled off in Bulawayo yesterday as the tournament trophy toured the city, bringing the global showpiece closer to the people.
The tour was designed to raise public awareness ahead of the event, which Zimbabwe will co-host with Namibia from January 15 to February 6. Moving through several parts of the city, the trophy parade drew cheers not only from cricket followers but from the wider community that lined the route.
Local cricket fans are set for a major spectacle, with Zimbabwe hosting the bulk of the matches across three venues, Queens Sports Club in Bulawayo, Harare Sports Club and Takashinga Sports Club in the capital.
A total of 41 matches, excluding warm-up games, will be played during the tournament, with 25 of them scheduled for Zimbabwean soil.
Yesterday’s tour began at Queens Sports Club before heading to Zonkizizwe Shopping Centre in Bradfield and then to the iconic Joshua Mqabuko Nkomo statue in the city centre. From there, the procession moved along the busy Sixth Avenue and Luveve Road to Emakhandeni Cricket Club, where Tuskers development players, in the middle of a training session, had the chance to see and pose for photographs with the most coveted prize in age group cricket.
From Emakhandeni, the trophy was taken to Sokusile Shopping Centre in Nkulumane, where it again drew excitement from residents, young and old. The tour then returned to the city centre, stopping at Pick n Pay Hyper before making its way back to Bulawayo’s ceremonial home of cricket, Queens Sports Club.
Giveaways along the route added to the festive mood and helped draw more people closer to the tour. Speaking during the parade, ICC Under 19 Men’s Cricket World Cup 2026 marketing manager Tinotenda Mawoyo said the initiative was about building awareness and encouraging strong attendance when the tournament begins.
“We have paraded through the streets of Bulawayo, showing the fans and the community the trophy and putting out information on the Under-19 Cricket World Cup, which starts in January, the venues, the matches and teams that will be playing. We are really excited.
“It’s important for people to know what’s going on ahead of time. We will be witnessing the future stars, so we want people to come out and support. We are truly excited about Zimbabwe hosting, so we are calling out to all the people to come out to the grounds, to come and support Zimbabwe and the future of cricket around the world,” said Mawoyo.
The former Zimbabwe international batter added that the tournament also presents a platform to showcase the country beyond cricket.
“It’s also an opportunity to showcase our country. All the young cricketers that are coming through have the opportunity to be in Masvingo, Bulawayo, Harare and other places. So, let’s show them true Zimbabwean culture, true Zimbabwean cuisine and hospitality,” he said.
Sixteen teams will contest the 41 matches, with the opening day featuring India against the USA, Zimbabwe taking on Scotland, and Tanzania making their historic tournament debut against the West Indies.
Local Organising Committee chairperson Vumi Moyo also urged fans to come out in large numbers and enjoy a glimpse of the game’s next generation.
“We wanted to conscientise the people of Bulawayo that there is an Under 19 World Cup coming. We expect people to come through in numbers, Under 19 is a stepping stone to greatness so there is some good talent to look forward to.
And, making it free, ICC wants to extend the game to the people, so we call upon everyone to come and watch and enjoy good cricket,” said Moyo.
All matches will be free of charge to all spectators. — @brandon_malvin
