Story by Mthokozisi Dube
PREPARATIONS are gathering pace at Queens Sports Club as Bulawayo readies itself to host matches of the ICC Men’s Under-19 Cricket World Cup, which Zimbabwe will co-host with Namibia from January 15.
The historic cricket venue is undergoing upgrades as part of final preparations to meet international hosting standards, with work currently underway to spruce up facilities ahead of the global tournament.
Chairperson of the Bulawayo Local Organising Committee, Mr Vumindaba Moyo, said the city was eager to welcome the world and described the tournament as a significant milestone for local cricket.
“It is going to be a big time here, I mean, it is fantastic for us to host the Under 19 World Cup. This is a stepping stone for most of the big names, our tournament ambassador Tatenda Taibu and Hamilton Masakadza. So for us, as Bulawayo, we are very excited to have such a big tournament in our city,” he said.
He said the recent trophy tour across the city was designed to build excitement and connect the public with the tournament.
“Yes, we wanted to show the people that the trophy is now here and it is happening. We went round the city for people to appreciate it. We had fun were people entertained and everybody got a chance to mix and mingle. It was a good time for all.”
Queens Sports Club will serve as a base for four international teams, namely India, Bangladesh, New Zealand and the United States, with several high-profile group matches scheduled at the venue.
Mr Moyo highlighted the much-anticipated clash between India and Bangladesh as one of the standout fixtures.
“We will have the USA, India, Bangladesh, and New Zealand. So, in terms of Under-19 cricket, India-Bangladesh is a must-watch game. On January 17, we will have a big one if you have been following the under 19 cricket, those are two recent winners. So we are very privileged to have that in terms of sporting lingo, that is a final before the final. So come to Queens on that day,” he added.
Beyond cricket, organisers say the tournament presents a major boost for sports tourism and the city’s global profile.
Mr Moyo said stakeholders across the tourism value chain had been engaged to ensure the city benefits from the influx of visitors.
“Definitely, it means a lot for sports tourism. We have already engaged the Sport Tourism Board, and we are working with all the stakeholders the airports, hotels, and tour operators. We want to showcase the city as much as possible and remember this is a precursor in 2027, we are hosting the men’s World Cup, so it is sort of a dress rehearsal.”
The ICC Men’s Under-19 Cricket World Cup will run until February 6, with Bulawayo expected to play a central role in the tournament’s success.
