Online Reporter
Mukudzei Chingwere
Senior Reporter
Zimbabwe is primed to maximise all sporting benefits that come with hosting two major cricket tournaments as it rolls out the red carpet for the 2026 Under-19 Cricket World Cup and subsequently the quadrennial ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup next year.
Acting President Dr Constantino Chiwenga said this in Harare yesterday when he received the Under-19 Cricket World Cup trophy adding that the event will herald fresh impetus in the growth of sport in Zimbabwe thus giving the youth a firm pathway to rewarding sports careers.
Running from January 15 to February 6, Zimbabwe will host 25 of the matches, including the semifinals and the final, with co-host Namibia taking the remaining 16 matches.
With global sports attention trained on Zimbabwe, Acting President Chiwenga said it was his hope that this would ignite a fire of sports excellence and the zeal to rise to international stardom among local youths.
The Acting President’s sentiments come on the back of the Government having noted that sports is no longer a mere pastime, but a powerful international marketing tool that can be utilised to elevate Zimbabwe on the global stage as well as give viable employment for the youth.
“For Zimbabwe Cricket, this tournament marks the beginning of a new growth trajectory,” said Acting President Chiwenga.
“It will accelerate grassroots development, inspire the next generation of cricketers, strengthen coaching systems, improve facilities and establish sustainable pathways for emerging talent.
“The legacy of this World Cup will be deeper participation, stronger institutions and a higher performance culture within Zimbabwean cricket.
“Looking ahead, we do so with confidence and hope that this tournament will ignite dreams among our youth, inspire future champions and strengthen unity through sport. Our youth are a strategic national asset and sport remains one of the most powerful platforms for shaping responsible, disciplined and visionary citizens,” said Acting President Chiwenga.
During yesterday’s ceremony, team captains from participating nations, including Zimbabwe’s Simbarashe Mudzengerere, along with their counterparts from New Zealand, led by captain Tom Jones and England skipper Farhan Ahmed, joined ICC and Zimbabwe Cricket officials to present the trophy to the Acting President.
Acting President Chiwenga took the opportunity to encourage the young Chevrons to channel their passion and talent into the tournament.
“Like every proud nation, we dare to dream. We wish our Zimbabwe Under-19 Cricket Team every success. May they compete with courage, dignity, and honour Zimbabwe lift the trophy on home soil,” said the Acting President.
“This trust reinforces our resolve to execute with excellence, efficiency, and professionalism. Looking ahead, we do so with confidence and hope that this tournament will ignite dreams among our youth, inspire future champions, and strengthen unity through sport.
“Our youth are a strategic national asset, and sport remains one of the most powerful platforms for shaping responsible, disciplined, and visionary citizens.”
Acting President Chiwenga welcomed the visiting teams and guests assuring that Zimbabwe is their second home.
He encouraged them to experience local landscapes, the hospitality of the Zimbabweans and Zimbabwean culture for their stay to be memorable, enriching and deeply inspiring.
“As we welcome the world, visitors will encounter a peaceful, welcoming and resilient nation, rich in culture, natural beauty and hospitality,” he said.
“We extend our profound gratitude to the International Cricket not Council for the confidence you have placed in Zimbabwe only in hosting the Under-19 Cricket World Cup, but also as co-host of the ICC 2027 Men’s Cricket World Cup.”
