Zimbabwe In Contention To Host 2024 Women’s T20 World Cup Amid Security Concerns In Bangladesh

Zimbabwe has emerged as a potential host for the 2024 Women’s T20 World Cup, which was originally scheduled for Bangladesh but is likely to be relocated due to security concerns stemming from anti-government unrest.

The UAE is also under consideration, with the final decision expected from the ICC board on August 20.

Zimbabwe’s interest, confirmed by ESPNcricinfo, is part of its broader efforts to establish itself as a premier cricketing destination, having successfully hosted the ODI World Cup Qualifiers in 2018 and 2023.

Although Zimbabwe’s women’s team has never competed in a World Cup, the country is eager to serve as a neutral host for this year’s tournament, scheduled to start on October 3.

Zimbabwe’s appeal as a host lies in its favorable weather conditions in October, a time when the country experiences minimal rainfall as it enters summer.

With Harare Sports Club and Queens Sports Club in Bulawayo already prepared to host, Zimbabwe offers ready-made venues with newly installed floodlights and a track record of hosting international matches.

Additionally, plans to build multi-purpose cricket facilities in Victoria Falls and Mutare further bolster its potential to host future global events.

A key advantage for Zimbabwe is its ability to generate strong crowd turnout, including schoolchildren, with venues accommodating up to 10,000 spectators.

The relatively lower cost of hosting the tournament in Zimbabwe compared to the UAE, combined with concerns over spectator attendance in UAE’s larger stadiums, may tip the scales in Zimbabwe’s favor.

Zimbabwe is also set to co-host the men’s Under-19 World Cup in 2026 and the ODI World Cup in 2027, positioning itself as a serious contender in the international cricketing arena.