With ICC looking for alternatives to host the Women’s T20 World Cup 2024, Zimbabwe has emerged as one of two options being considered to host the event. After India rejected ICC’s offer to host the tournament, the sports governing body is expected to be made by the ICC board on Tuesday.
The tournament which is due to start on October 03 and was scheduled for Bangladesh is likely to be moved after anti-government agitations with security concerns.
Zimbabwe’s interest comes on the back of intentions to promote itself as a destination for big cricket after successfully hosting the last two ODI World Cup Qualifiers. The country has lasted a World Cup in 2003, alongside with South Africa and Kenya.
Zimbabwe spent several years isolated from major events, which included the Robert Mugabe regime cutting itself off from much of the world, hyperinflation, and a self-imposed Test Hiatus between 2005 and 2011.
The men’s team failed to qualify for two successive ODI World Cups and two of the last three T20 World Cups. The Women’s team has never competed at a World Cup and will not feature at this year’s event. But Zimbabwe is eager to be a neutral host of the tournament.
The African country has been announced as the host for the men’s 2026 U-19 World Cup along with Namibia. They are set to organize the much-awaited 2027 ODI World Cup along with South Africa and Namibia.
Zimbabwe is likely to have two more venues ready ahead of the World Cup 2027. As per reports, government authorities are building multi-purpose facilities in Victoria Falls and Mutare. The weather in Zimbabwe will be also suitable conditions with the country enjoying summer in October and only minimal rain expected.
India rejected the offer to host because the country will be experiencing the last of the monsoon. Meanwhile, Sri Lanka is also understood to have fallen out of contention for weather-related seasons.
Currently, the country has two primary venues, Harare Sports Club and Queens Sports Club in Bulawayo, if Zimbabwe Cricket is set to host the Women’s World Cup.
