Zimbabwe Cricket has expressed interest in hosting the 2024 Women’s T20 World Cup. As per reports from ESPNCricinfo, it is learnt that they want to host the tournament as they are keen to promote themselves as a destination for big-time cricket, especially after hosting the last two ODI World Cup qualifiers (in 2018 and 2023).
The 2024 Women’s T20 World Cup has come under serious scrutiny. The tournament is scheduled to be held from October 3 and is expected to be hosted by Bangladesh. However, the tournament being held in the Asian country seems to be in jeopardy due to the situation in the country.
According to reports, it is learnt that the Women’s T20 World Cup will be shifted from Bangladesh due to security concerns. There are unrests in the country related to anti-government agitations and many deaths have also occurred.
Zimbabwe has submitted its bid to host the tournament and has emerged as one of the two options being considered to host the 2024 Women’s T20 World Cup this year alongside the United Arab Emirates. India recently mentioned that it will not be hosting the competition. Reports claim that the ICC board is expected to make an official decision on Tuesday, August 20.
Zimbabwe has long been a long time away from hosting major events. During Robert Mugabe’s regime, Zimbabwe was isolated from much of the world. It also had a self-imposed hiatus from Tests between 2005 and 2011, and the men’s team failed to qualify for two consecutive ODI World Cups and two of the last three T20 World Cups.
Zimbabwe’s women’s team has not participated in the World Cup. It will not be participating in this year’s tournament either, but is keen to be the neutral host of the tournament. Notably, the United Arab Emirates has not participated in the Women’s T20 World Cup either.
Harare and Bulawayo will be two venues in Zimbabwe for the 2024 Women’s T20 World Cup
If the 2024 Women’s T20 World Cup is held in Zimbabwe, they can offer two venues: the Harare Sports Club (which also has newly installed floodlights) and the Queens Sports Club in Bulawayo. These venues also hosted matches in the 2023 World Cup qualifiers.
The weather in Zimbabwe is also expected to be good during the Women’s T20 World Cup. The country is also entering summer in October and with little rain expected, there is every chance it will be the ideal choice to host the tournament.
In addition, Zimbabwe will be allowed to host crowds, including school children, in the stadiums, where the maximum capacity is 10,000. Apart from this, it was also learnt that Sri Lanka has been ruled out of the competition for weather-related reasons to host the 2024 Women’s T20 World Cup.
Australia are the reigning champions and will be hoping to continue their dominance of the tournament, having won the title six times. England and West Indies have both won the title twice, while India are yet to do so. It remains to be seen who will emerge victorious.
