Sithembinkosi L Jiyane
Sports Reporter
The countdown to the 2026 ICC Men’s Under-19 Cricket World Cup kicked off on Monday as the tournament trophy toured Bulawayo, sparking excitement among cricket fans and the wider public ahead of the global event.
The iconic trophy was carried around the city by Miss Universe Zimbabwe, Samukele Dlamini, adding glamour and national pride to the tour as it drew large crowds and media attention.
The trophy began its journey at Queens Sports Club before making stops at Food Lovers Market and the Joshua Mqabuko Nkomo Statue. From there, it moved along Sixth Avenue to eMakhandeni Cricket Club, proceeded to Nkulumane Sekusile, visited Hyper Supermarket, and finally returned to Queens Sports Club.
The tour forms part of nationwide efforts to engage communities and build anticipation for the tournament, which will be hosted by Zimbabwe, with Namibia as co-host, from January 15 to February 6, 2026.
Matches during the tournament will be staged at Queens Sports Club in Bulawayo and Harare Cricket Club, placing both cities at the heart of international youth cricket.
The ICC Men’s Under-19 Cricket World Cup has a proud history of producing future international stars, and the 2026 edition is expected to showcase the next generation of elite talent. Fans can look forward to thrilling contests featuring the world’s top young players, with every match at Queens Sports Club starting at 09:30am.
The tournament will open on January 15 with a clash between the USA and India, followed by India taking on Bangladesh on January 17.
On January 18, New Zealand will face the USA, while Bangladesh meet New Zealand on January 20. India will again square off against New Zealand on January 24.
Following the group stages, the Super Six fixtures will see C1 face B2 on January 26, C3 play B1 on January 27, and D3 take on A2 on January 29. The Super Six action continues with B3 against C1 on January 30, before B1 faces C2 on February 1.
The tournament will conclude with the final on February 1, promising an exciting climax to what is expected to be a highly competitive championship.
The trophy tour and fixture announcements have already generated a buzz across the country, giving fans the opportunity to see the trophy up close and plan to attend matches.
Zimbabwe’s role as host, alongside Namibia as co-host, underscores the country’s growing reputation for successfully staging international cricket events.
With free entry for spectators and the promise of world-class cricket action, the 2026 ICC Men’s Under-19 Cricket World Cup is set to be a landmark event, inspiring young players and uniting communities in celebration of the sport.
Zimbabwe Cricket Media and Marketing Manager for the ICC Men’s Under-19 Cricket World Cup, Tino Mawoyo, urged communities to come out in large numbers to support the young players. He expressed excitement about the tournament and revealed that Zimbabwe boasts a highly talented Under-19 squad, making success a real possibility.
“Our young players have immense talent and determination. This is their moment to shine, and with the support of our communities, anything is possible,” said Mawoyo.
As Zimbabwe prepares to welcome the world’s best young cricketers, the tournament promises not only high-quality cricket but also an opportunity to celebrate national pride, community spirit, and the future stars of the game. Fans are encouraged to attend, cheer, and be part of a historic chapter in Zimbabwean cricket.
Stay Connected with Zim GBC News:
· X (Twitter): @ZimGbc
· Instagram: @ZimGBCNews
· TikTok: @ZimGBCNews_01
· Facebook: Zim GBC News
· YouTube: Zim GBC News
Get real-time alerts on WhatsApp:
+263 773 820 323
Zim GBC News | Global News From An African Perspective©2026