KEY POINTS
- The tournament runs Jan 15-Feb 6 in Zimbabwe & Namibia.
- Tatenda Taibu named ambassador; free entry for all matches announced.
- Defending champions Australia head Group A; India in Group B.
- Top 3 from each of 4 groups advance to Super Six, then knockouts.
HARARE, Zimbabwe: The road to the ICC U19 Men’s Cricket World Cup 2026 officially commenced as the tournament trophy was unveiled at a ceremony in Harare on Monday, marking the start of the final countdown to the youth championship.
Co-hosted by Zimbabwe and Namibia, the event will run from January 15 to February 6, 2026, featuring 16 teams, including debutants Tanzania, showcasing the next generation of global cricket talent.
Former Zimbabwe captain and U19 World Cup alumnus Tatenda Taibu was announced as the tournament ambassador. His journey from age-group cricket to national leadership is set to inspire the young competitors.
Speaking at the launch, Cynthia Mawema, representing Zimbabwe’s Minister of Sport, hailed the tournament as a landmark moment for the continent.
“This is not just another event on the cricket calendar, it is a global festival of youthful brilliance,” she said, adding that it would strengthen development pathways and showcase Zimbabwe as a world-class host ahead of the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2027.
Free Entry for All Matches
Zimbabwe Cricket Vice Chairman Sylvester Matshaka thanked the ICC for entrusting the country with another major global event, calling it a responsibility accepted with “great pride.”
Tournament Director Hamilton Masakadza confirmed that preparations in Harare and Bulawayo are on track and announced a major incentive for fans: free entry to all matches.
“We want everyone – from first-time cricket fans to diehard supporters – to come and experience the excitement,” Masakadza stated.
Venues in Zimbabwe will include Harare Sports Club, Takashinga Cricket Club, and Queens Sports Club, with Namibia hosting games in Windhoek.
Defending Champions Aim to Retain Title
Cricket Namibia Vice Chairman Polly Negongo expressed pride in co-hosting, highlighting the tournament’s significance for inspiring Namibia’s next generation. “Hosting a World Cup is a moment of national significance,” Negongo said.
The trophy will tour Zimbabwean cities from January 4-7, 2026, to build anticipation. Defending champions Australia will begin their campaign aiming to retain the title they won after a commanding victory over India in the 2024 final.
Initial Squads Revealed
The format for the ICC U19 Men’s Cricket World Cup 2026, co-hosted by Zimbabwe and Namibia from January 15 to February 6, has been confirmed. The 16 qualified teams are divided into four groups of four.
The top three teams from each group will advance to the Super Six stage, forming two groups of six.
The top two from each Super Six group will progress to the semi-finals on February 3 and 4, culminating in the final on February 6. All knockout matches will be held in Zimbabwe.
Reigning champions Australia headline Group A with Ireland, Japan, and Sri Lanka. Group B features 2024 runners-up India, Bangladesh, New Zealand, and the USA.
Group C consists of England, Pakistan, Scotland, and hosts Zimbabwe, while Group D includes Afghanistan, South Africa, Tanzania, and the West Indies.
Matches will be played across five venues: Harare Sports Club, Takashinga Sports Club, and Queens Sports Club in Zimbabwe; and Namibia Cricket Ground and HP Oval in Namibia.
Initial squad announcements see Australia led by captain Oliver Peake, while Zimbabwe will be captained by Simbarashe Mudzengerere. Squads for several major teams, including India, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka, are yet to be announced.
