Zimbabwe has emerged as a strong contender to host the Women’s T20 World Cup, a tournament initially scheduled to take place in Bangladesh starting October 3. The potential shift in venue is due to security concerns arising from anti-government protests in Bangladesh. In addition to Zimbabwe, UAE is also being evaluated as a potential host for the event, following India’s decision to step back from hosting responsibilities.
Alongside Zimbabwe, the UAE is also being considered as an alternative host following India’s decision to withdraw from hosting the event. The ICC is anticipated to make a final decision on Tuesday, August 20. Having successfully hosted the ODI World Cup Qualifiers in 2018 and 2023, Zimbabwe is keen to leverage this opportunity to showcase its cricketing infrastructure and hospitality on a larger stage.
India denied hosting the tournament
Earlier this week, Shah disclosed that the ICC had reached out to the BCCI regarding the possibility of hosting the Women’s T20 World Cup. Despite the request, the BCCI declined to take on the hosting duties.
“Next year, we’ll host the 50-overs women’s World Cup. We do not want to give any signal that we want to host consecutive World Cups,” Shah said.
India had earlier hosted the men’s 50-over World Cup last year, where the home team had reached the final. In 2026, India will also host the men’s T20 World Cup. Despite years of isolation from the global cricketing arena, marked by periods of instability and administrative setbacks, Zimbabwe is now eager to play a neutral role in this global event; the Zimbabwean women’s team has never competed at a World Cup.
Zimbabwe in contention to host Women’s T20 World Cup 2024 due to unrest in Bangladesh
As per ESPNCricinfo, Zimbabwe have expressed an interest in hosting the Women’s T20 World Cup 2024 later this year. The tournament was due to take place from October 3 to 20 in Bangladesh, but it’s likely to get a new venue due to the ongoing socio-political unrest in the Asian country.
Meanwhile, Zimbabwe want to project themselves as a key destination for ICC events following the successful hosting of two ODI World Cup Qualifiers (2018 and 2023). They co-hosted the Men’s World Cup in 2003 along with South Africa and Kenya.
The United Arab Emirates are being considered as another option by the International Cricket Council after India reportedly ruled themselves out of the race. Although, both countries will not be participating in the tournament, they are eager to act as neutral hosts. The final decision on the venue is to be made by the ICC on Tuesday, August 20.
Moreover, the weather will also be favorable during October in Zimbabwe, as they will be entering the summer season. As per reports, the key reason for India and Sri Lanka not being in contention is due to weather-related issues.
Zimbabwe to co-host men’s 2026 Under-19 World Cup and 2027 ODI World Cup
The African country has been announced as the hosts for the men’s 2026 Under-19 World Cup along with Namibia. Furthermore, they are tasked with responsibility to organize the much-awaited 2027 ODI World Cup along with South Africa and Namibia.
Interestingly, Zimbabwe are likely to have two more venues ready ahead of the 2027 World Cup. As per reports, government authorities are building multi-purpose facilities in Victoria Falls and Mutare.
Currently, the country has two primary venues: Harare Sports Club and Queens Sports Club in Bulawayo, who will host the Women’s World Cup, if things fall into place for Zimbabwe Cricket. Both grounds were pivotal during the 2023 World Cup Qualifiers, hosting all televised matches, while Takashinga Sports Club and Bulawayo Athletic Club served as venues for streamed games.
Having successfully hosted the ODI World Cup Qualifiers in 2018 and 2023, Zimbabwe is keen to leverage this opportunity to showcase its cricketing infrastructure and hospitality on a larger stage. The country last hosted the World Cup in 2003, alongside South Africa and Kenya, marking a significant gap since they have been largely absent from major international events due to past political and economic challenges.