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Mehluli Sibanda, Sports Editor
ZIMBABWE have been chosen by the International Cricket Council to host the ICC Under-19 Men’s Cricket World Cup 2026 together with neighbours Namibia.
Yesterday, the ICC announced the decision after settling on the host countries for the next Under-19 men’s and women’s global events between 2024 and 2027.
Zimbabwe Cricket chairman Tavengwa Mukuhlani reacted to the news with great joy as he feels that this will afford the country a chance to reinforce its status as one of the global leading cricket and tourist destinations.
“We are absolutely thrilled and honoured that the 2026 edition of the Under-19 Men’s Cricket World Cup is coming to Zimbabwe. This is not only huge for the growth of the game in our country but also a great opportunity to cement our status as one of the world’s premier cricket and tourist destinations,’’ Mukuhlani said.
The ZC boss declared that when the event eventually takes place, the country will provide an incredible tournament.
“Come 2026, we will be ready to deliver an amazing experience.”
In making the announcements yesterday, the ICC said the hosts were selected via a competitive bidding process overseen by a board sub-committee chaired by Martin Snedden.
Apart from Zimbabwe and Namibia co-hosting the ICC Under-19 Men’s Cricket World Cup 2026, the ICC also announced the 2024 edition will be staged in Sri Lanka.
The ICC Under-19 Women’s T20 World Cup 2025 will take place in Malaysia and Thailand while the 2027 Under-19 Women’s event will be jointly hosted by Bangladesh and Nepal.
Meanwhile, the ICC has agreed on the qualification pathway for the 10-team ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2024.
Eight teams will qualify for that event automatically comprising the top three teams from each group from the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2023, the host Bangladesh — if not in the top three of their group — and the next highest ranked teams on the MRF Tyres ICC T20I Rankings on 27 February 2023.
The remaining two teams will be identified through the 10-team ICC Women’s T20 World Cup Global Qualifier.
The qualification process for the 14-team ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2027 was also decided with 10 teams gaining automatic qualification. Zimbabwe and South Africa as Full Member hosts will be part of the 10 and the next eight highest ranked teams on the ICC MRF Tyres ODI Rankings on a date to be confirmed.
Four teams will qualify via the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup Global Qualifier to fill the remaining slots. – @Mdawini_29
Online Reporter