Online Reporter
Tinashe Kusema
Zimpapers Sports Hub
THE trophy is in the country, the stage is set and the countdown has begun.
All that remains now is the first ball as Zimbabwe and Namibia prepare to welcome the ICC Under-19 Cricket World Cup.
The co-hosts yesterday officially launched the home stretch of the biggest age group tournament in the global game, set for January 15 to February 6, 2026.
The ceremony, held in the capital, had all the polish and promise of a World Cup moment, with former Zimbabwe international Tatenda Taibu unveiled as tournament ambassador and Hamilton Masakadza confirmed as tournament director.
Zimbabwe is ready.
Masakadza said preparations were progressing from Harare to Bulawayo, with visiting teams expected to arrive at the Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport in Harare and the Joshua Mqabuko Nkomo International Airport in Bulawayo in the coming weeks.
“Government agencies are ready to ensure smooth arrivals, while all travel and hotel arrangements have been completed and confirmed,” said Masakadza.
He said the tournament venues were in immaculate condition, with Harare Sports Club, Takashinga Cricket Club and Queen’s Sports Club almost ready.
Masvingo Sports Club, Old Harare Sports Club, Prince Edward School and Bulawayo Athletic Club have been set aside for the warm-up matches, which begin on January 10, 2026.
The ICC Under-19 Men’s World Cup trophy is also scheduled to tour the country, starting in Masvingo on January 4 before moving to Bulawayo and Harare on January 5 and 7, 2026.
That sense of anticipation was echoed by Namibia Cricket vice president Pollycarpus Negongo, who spoke of a shared vision between the two countries.
He said Namibia was proud and excited to co-host the global event alongside Zimbabwe.
In recent months, he said, efforts have been on providing a world-class experience for teams, supporters and officials who will go to Namibia.
“We are especially proud to share that our newly completed Namibia cricket ground, now the official home of cricket in Namibia, has been fully prepared to host cricket at world-class standards.
“Hosting a World Cup is not merely an operational responsibility.
“For Namibia, it is a moment of national significance and a powerful opportunity to inspire the next generation of cricketers,” he said.
The Namibian government, he added, has fully supported the hosting of the Under-19 Men’s World Cup and the trophy will be taken to various government ministries, including the office of Namibian President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah.
This forms part of the continued build-up and national readiness ahead of the 2027 Cricket World Cup, which will be held in Namibia.
“We have worked diligently to ensure every visiting team experiences top-level facilities that support high performance and elite competition,” he said.
The launch and the tournament as a whole received strong backing from Sport, Recreation, Arts and Culture Minister Anselem Sanyatwe, who paid tribute to the competition’s rich history. In his address, read on his behalf by acting Permanent Secretary Cynthia Mawema, the minister reflected on the World Cup’s legacy as a breeding ground for greatness.
He said Zimbabwe was proud to co-host the prestigious tournament with Namibia.
Minister Sanyatwe said the Government, under the leadership of President Mnangagwa, welcomes the ICC delegation and all associated partners, emphasising a strong commitment to fostering international collaboration and support for the game.
“And let me say this with confidence, Zimbabwe and Namibia will not only host a tournament; we will host an experience, one that will be remembered, talked about and replayed in many hearts for years to come,” he said.
The competition, he added, carries a remarkable legacy as the ICC Under-19 Men’s Cricket World Cup is where legends introduce themselves to the globe.
“It is where boys become men, sometimes very quickly, and where future greats first dare to dream.
“We need only recall the names that first rose from this stage, like Virat Kohli, Kane Williamson, David Warner, Kagiso Rabada, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Shubman Gill and closer to home, Tatenda Taibu, Hamilton Masakadza, Tino Mawoyo and Elton Chigumbura, who now coaches the very team he once inspired,” he said.
He said Zimbabwe and Namibia were working together to deliver a tournament that reflects excellence, efficiency and African flavour.
“We are proud that the 2026 edition will be a distinctly African celebration of cricket.
“We stand fully behind Zimbabwe Cricket, the ICC and all participating teams. Every ministry and agency involved is ready, pads on, gloves tight, helmets secure.”
Zimbabwe, Minister Sanyatwe said, guaranteed a safe environment, efficient operations, seamless logistics and Government’s full support.
The minister also invited cricket fans from across the world to enjoy the full Zimbabwean experience.
“So, to our visitors, when the last ball is bowled, when stamps are drawn, when commentators peg away their microphones, please explore our beautiful country.”
