By Sukuoluhle Ndlovu
Zimbabwe is among the 14 countries that are going to host the International Cricket Council Men’s event post 2023.
The International Cricket Council confirmed the developments, the 14 countries will host the white ball events from 2024 – 2031.
The USA and Namibia will host an ICC World Cup event for the first time whilst Australia, Bangladesh, England, Ireland, India, New Zealand, Pakistan, Scotland, South Africa, South Africa, Sri Lanka, West Indies and Zimbabwe have previously staged major events and will do so again over the next decade.
One Zimbabwean cricket fan, Arnold Mavheni said, “It is of great pleasure that Zimbabwe has been recognised among the countries to host the ICC Men’s event. This shows that we are being recognised on a global scale and we are outshining. We hope this will be a major boost to our try team as well and this might help us improve and be a stronger team than ever,” he said.
The ICC Chair, Greg Barclay said they are happy they are giving many countries the opportunity.
“We are delighted to have concluded this competitive bidding process for the first time for ICC events. T have 14 members hosting 8 events is a reflection of the truly global nature of our sport and l would like to thank every member that submitted a bid and offer our congratulations to the successful bidders.
It is fantastic to be returning to so many previous hosts but what is really exciting about this process is the countries who will stage ICC events for the first time, “said Barclay.
The Chair of the ICC hosting Sub Committee said many countries bid to host the ICC events.
“We received a range of excellent bids to host the ICC Men’s events in the next cycle. We were committed to ensuring a broad spread of hosts to align with the ICC strategic objective of global growth and have ended up with 14countries who will support that long term aim,” said Martin Snedden.
