Zimbabwe Cricket vie to host Women's T20 World Cup 2024
Zimbabwe Cricket has expressed interest in hosting the upcoming ICC Women's T20 World Cup, originally scheduled for Bangladesh. The tournament is set to begin on October 3. However, due to anti-government protests leading to security concerns in Bangladesh, alternative locations are being explored. The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is also under consideration as a potential host nation for this prestigious cricket event.
Zimbabwe's bid to reestablish cricket prominence
Zimbabwe's bid to host the Women's T20 World Cup is part of a broader strategy to reestablish itself as a prominent cricket destination. The country has successfully hosted the last two ODI World Cup Qualifiers in 2018 and 2023. This move comes after years of isolation from major events due to political instability, economic challenges, and a self-imposed Test hiatus between 2005 and 2011.
Zimbabwe's future cricket hosting plans
Despite their women's team not qualifying for this year's World Cup, Zimbabwe is keen to serve as an impartial host for the tournament. The country has also secured co-hosting rights for the men's Under-19 World Cup with Namibia in 2026, and the ODI World Cup with South Africa and Namibia in 2027. These commitments demonstrate Zimbabwe's ongoing efforts to reintegrate into the global cricket community.
Zimbabwe's preparations and advantages for hosting
According to ESPNcricinfo, Zimbabwe is preparing to host the Women's T20 World Cup at Harare Sports Club and Queens Sports Club in Bulawayo, both of which have recently been upgraded with new floodlights. The country's favorable weather conditions in October, with minimal rainfall expected, are seen as a significant advantage over other potential hosts like India and Sri Lanka. Additionally, Zimbabwe can accommodate decent crowds at these venues where the maximum capacity is 10,000.
Zimbabwe's cost advantage and India's decision
Zimbabwe is hopeful that the relatively lower cost of hosting a tournament in their country compared to the UAE will give them an edge when the final decision is made. Meanwhile, India has declined the International Cricket Council's (ICC) offer to host this year's Women's T20 World Cup. Jay Shah, BCCI Secretary, stated that India does not want to send any signal that they wish to host consecutive World Cups.
