Zim to host ICC Cricket World Cup

The Chevrons will be joined by nine other nations for the event where only the top two teams will grab the tickets for the ICC Cricket World Cup.

THE International governing body of cricket, International Cricket Council (ICC) has confirmed that Zimbabwe will host the ICC Cricket World Cup Qualifiers tournament in March 2018.

A number of decisions around event hosts were taken by the ICC Board in Auckland. Namibia have been confirmed as the host of the ICC World Cricket League Division 2 in February 2018 whilst the Netherlands have been approved as the host of the ICC Women’s World Twenty20 Qualifier 2018.

But the biggest news for the Zimbabweans is that the search for the final two teams in the 2019 World Cup will begin in Zimbabwe in March 2018, after the country was announced the host of the qualifying tournament.

West Indies will be among the countries taking part in this competition, having failed to gain direct entry into the showpiece event. They will be joined by the bottom-three ranked ODI nations – Zimbabwe, Afghanistan and Ireland – the top four sides from the ICC World Cricket League Championship and the top two from the ICC World Cricket League Division 2.

Originally, Bangladesh were scheduled to host the qualifiers. But with their gaining direct entry, finishing in the top eight of the ICC ODI rankings on deadline day, September 30, Zimbabwe put themselves up for consideration.

The ICC inspected the facilities about a month ago and it is understood that alongside the two regular international venues – Harare Sports Club and Queens Sports Club – the grounds at Takashinga, Bulawayo Athletic Club and in KweKwe will be used for the tournament. –sportbrief.co.zw