Zimbabwe is interested in hosting the Women’s T20 World Cup 2024, which is scheduled for October.
Initially, Bangladesh was set to host the event, but due to political unrest and security concerns, the tournament may be moved. Zimbabwe and the UAE are now being considered as possible hosts, with a decision expected from the ICC board on August 20.
Zimbabwe is keen to host the World Cup to boost its reputation as a cricket destination. The country successfully hosted the ODI World Cup Qualifiers in 2018 and 2023. While Zimbabwe has not hosted a World Cup since 2003, it aims to attract major cricket events despite its men’s and women’s teams not qualifying for recent World Cups.
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Zimbabwe is also set to co-host the men’s Under-19 World Cup with Namibia in 2026 and the ODI World Cup with South Africa and Namibia in 2027.
To prepare for these events, Zimbabwe is building new international grounds in Victoria Falls and Mutare. Currently, the country has two main venues: Harare Sports Club in Harare and Queens Sports Club in Bulawayo, both of which could host the Women’s T20 World Cup matches.
October marks the beginning of Zimbabwe’s monsoon season, but rain is not expected to be a significant issue, which could be an advantage when the ICC decides on the venue. India and Sri Lanka have both dropped out of the running due to weather concerns, and Zimbabwe is hopeful that the lower costs of hosting the tournament there compared to the UAE will work in its favor.