Zimbabwe is one of two countries being considered to host this year’s Women’s T20 World Cup. The tournament, originally scheduled to be held in Bangladesh, was due to begin on October 3 but is likely to be moved due to security concerns following anti-government protests in the country.
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is another option under consideration after India decided to withdraw from the hosting bid on Thursday, with the International Cricket Council (ICC) Board expected to take a final decision by Tuesday, August 20.
ESPNcricinfo has confirmed Zimbabwe’s interest in hosting the tournament, which is in line with the country’s wider aim to establish itself as a leading destination for major cricket events. Zimbabwe has successfully hosted the last two ODI World Cup qualifiers, in 2018 and 2023. Zimbabwe last hosted a World Cup in 2003, alongside South Africa and Kenya.
Zimbabwe has been largely isolated from major cricket competitions in recent years due to a range of issues including political instability under Robert Mugabe’s rule, economic instability, a self-imposed Test suspension from 2005 to 2011 and the men’s team’s failure to qualify for the World Cup in recent years. The women’s team has never played in a World Cup, nor has the UAE, but Zimbabwe is keen to play the role of neutral hosts in this year’s tournament.
Going forward, Zimbabwe will 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. By then, the country will have two more international cricket stadiums, with new multi-purpose facilities planned for Victoria Falls and Mutare.
For the 2024 Women’s T20 World Cup, Zimbabwe could use Harare Sports Club, which is currently equipped with floodlights, and Queen’s Sports Club in Bulawayo. Both clubs were venues for televised matches during the 2023 World Cup qualifiers.
Zimbabwe is a strong candidate due to favourable weather in October and the potential for a cheering crowd, especially from primary school children, and the lower costs of hosting the games in Zimbabwe compared to the UAE could also be a deciding factor.