Online Reporter
Brandon Moyo, Zimpapers Sports Hub
ACTING Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Sport, Recreation, Arts and Culture, Cynthia Mawema, says the ICC U19 Men’s Cricket World Cup 2026, which Zimbabwe will co-host with Namibia, will stand as a proudly African celebration of cricket that leaves a lasting mark long after the final ball is bowled.
Speaking at the official unveiling and launch of the tournament trophy during a colourful ceremony in Harare at the weekend, Mawema framed the event as more than a sporting competition.
She was representing the Minister of Sport, Recreation, Arts and Culture, Lieutenant General (Retired) Anselem Sanyatwe.
“This is not just another event on the cricket calendar; it is a global festival of youthful brilliance. Zimbabwe and Namibia will host an experience that will be remembered for years to come. The tournament will inspire young people, strengthen development pathways, attract new fans and showcase Zimbabwe as a world-class sporting nation ahead of the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2027,” she said.
The tournament will run from January 15 to February 6 and will feature 16 nations, including debutants Tanzania, as the next generation of global stars takes centre stage in southern Africa.
Zimbabwe Cricket vice chairman Sylvester Matshaka, speaking on behalf of ZC chairperson Tavengwa Mukuhlani, thanked the International Cricket Council for once again trusting the country with a major global event.
“Hosting this global youth tournament, alongside our colleagues in Namibia, is a responsibility we accept with great pride. The U19 World Cup is where future stars first announce themselves to the world and we are delighted that the class of 2026 will do so on our pitches,” he said.
Tournament director Hamilton Masakadza confirmed that preparations in Harare and Bulawayo are progressing well, with venues, logistics and accommodation already in place.
“Entry to all matches is completely free. We want everyone, from first-time cricket fans to diehard supporters, to come and experience the excitement,” said Masakadza.
Matches in Zimbabwe will be staged at Harare Sports Club and Takashinga Cricket Club in Harare, as well as Queens Sports Club in Bulawayo, while Namibia will host fixtures in Windhoek.
In the build-up to the tournament, the ICC U19 Men’s Cricket World Cup trophy will tour Masvingo, Bulawayo and Harare from January 4 to 7, taking the excitement directly to the people.
Cricket Namibia was also represented at the Harare launch, with vice chairman Polly Negongo and tournament director Johan Muller joining the celebrations.
“Namibia is proud, prepared and deeply excited to co-host this prestigious global event alongside our neighbours, Zimbabwe. For Namibia, hosting a World Cup is a moment of national significance and a powerful opportunity to inspire the next generation of cricketers,” said Negongo.
Zimbabwe have been drawn in Group C alongside England, Pakistan and Scotland, with all their group matches scheduled for Takashinga Cricket Club.
They open their campaign against Scotland on January 15, face England on January 18 and conclude the group stage against Pakistan on January 22.
As part of their final preparations, Zimbabwe will play warm-up matches against the United States of America at Old Hararians Sports Club in Harare on January 10 and against New Zealand at Masvingo Sports Club on January 12.
