Zimbabwe has emerged as one of the two potential hosts for the 2024 Women’s T20 World Cup, originally set for Bangladesh. Security concerns from anti-government protests in Bangladesh could lead to relocating the tournament set for October 3. The tournament’s relocation is under consideration due to these ongoing issues in Bangladesh. The UAE is the other contender, after India declined to host due to the ongoing monsoon season. The ICC board is expected to make the final decision on August 20.
Zimbabwe’s bid to host the World Cup aligns with its efforts to reestablish itself as a premier cricket destination, following successful hosting of the ODI World Cup Qualifiers in 2018 and 2023. Zimbabwe last hosted a World Cup in 2003, alongside South Africa and Kenya. After years of isolation from major cricket events, Zimbabwe is now in position to serve as a neutral host for the Women’s T20 World Cup, even though its women’s team has never qualified for a World Cup.
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. The country is also planning to build two new international grounds in Victoria Falls and Mutare. In the meantime, Zimbabwe offers Harare Sports Club and Queens Sports Club in Bulawayo as venues, both of which hosted matches during the 2023 World Cup Qualifiers.
With favorable weather in October and the ability to draw decent crowds, Zimbabwe hopes to leverage these factors, along with lower hosting costs, to secure the hosting rights over the UAE, where larger stadiums often see low attendance.
