International Cricket Council (ICC) chair Jay Shah extended his best wishes to the Under-19 players as they begin their World Cup campaign in Zimbabwe and Namibia.
The 16th edition of the ICC Under-19 Men’s Cricket World Cup begins on Thursday with the opening match between India and the United States in Bulawayo.
“Wishing all the teams and players the very best of luck in the ICC Under-19 Men’s Cricket World Cup starting on January 15 across host countries Zimbabwe and Namibia.
“Our youth events have long been the pathway for some of cricket’s biggest stars, and I am sure that will be the case again,” the ICC chief shared on X.
Led by Ayush Mhatre, India have been placed in Group B alongside New Zealand, the USA and Bangladesh. Talented batting all-rounder Vihaan Malhotra will serve as Mhatre’s deputy at the tournament.
Australia are the defending champions, having won the 2024 edition with a victory over India in the final, and have lifted the title four times — just behind India, who have claimed the trophy on five occasions.
Pakistan are the only other team with multiple titles to their name, following successive triumphs in 2004 and 2006, while the West Indies, South Africa, Bangladesh and England have won the tournament once each.
The tournament will be played across five venues in Zimbabwe and Namibia, with Zimbabwe hosting 25 matches, including the semi-finals and final, and Namibia staging 16 games.
All matches in Namibia will be held in Windhoek at two adjacent venues — the Namibia Cricket Ground and the High Performance Oval. In Zimbabwe, matches will be held in two cities, Harare and Bulawayo. The Queens Sports Club will be the sole venue in Bulawayo, while Harare Sports Club and Takashinga Sports Club will host matches in the capital.
The two semi-finals will be played on February 3 and 4 at Queens Sports Club and Harare Sports Club, respectively, with the final scheduled at Harare Sports Club on February 6.
