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Zimbabwe have expressed their interest in hosting the Women's T20 World Cup 2024 on Friday, August 16, as per ESPNcricinfo. The development comes after the original host Bangladesh is unlikely to stage the showpiece event due to the socio-political unrest in the country.
Earlier this month, there were indications by the International Cricket Council (ICC) on the change of venue. The scenario in Bangladesh isn't expected to improve until October when the tournament is slated to take place. Interestingly, countries like the United Arab Emirates (UAE), India, and Sri Lanka were the backup venues.
However, the rain threat looms large in Sri Lanka during the October month, and partly with India, where the issuance of visas to Pakistan players could also be a major hurdle. This leaves the ICC with options like UAE and Zimbabwe, who could act as neutral hosts, with their teams not being part of the tournament. In all likelihood, the final decision will be made on August 20.
On that note, let's take a look at why Zimbabwe could be the perfect host for organizing the Women's T20 World Cup.
#1 Successful hosting of World Cup Qualifiers in the past
Although the Zimbabwe men's and women's teams have struggled to be consistent in earning qualification to showpiece events, they have managed to successfully host the World Cup Qualifiers in recent years. They have staged an all-important Men's ODI World Cup Qualifier in 2018 and 2023 and the Women's Cricket World Cup Qualifier in 2021.
Despite having only two international venues - Harare Sports Club and Queens Sports Club in Bulawayo - the country has displayed its improving sports infrastructure and hospitality while hosting the big tournaments. Due to this reason, they are the co-hosts of the men's 2026 Under-19 World Cup and 2027 ODI World Cup as well.
Furthermore, the government authorities are hell-bent on giving a boost to their economy and tourism by adding two more international venues - Victoria Falls and Mutare ahead of the 2027 World Cup.
#2 Favorable weather conditions in Zimbabwe
One of the biggest advantages of Zimbabwe hosting the Women's T20 World Cup will be the favorable weather conditions. The country enters the summer in September and generally peaks around October, thus negating any threats of rain showers.
Interestingly, the Women's World Cup Qualifier 2021 was held in November and the upcoming 2027 World Cup will take place in October. Thus, the African country holds an edge against India and Sri Lanka, which are likely to experience rain during October.
#3 Will draw a fairly more crowd than the UAE
Zimbabwe is a cricket-loving nation, as witnessed by the huge capacity crowd in the recent bilateral series against India. The crowds are passionate about supporting their team and are expected to turn up in good numbers as a neutral audience as well.
Moreover, Harare now has the newly installed floodlights, which would further invite the working population to witness the matches, if the games are scheduled in the night.
Meanwhile, the UAE, which attracts a huge number of people for India-Pakistan games, hasn't quite reciprocated the same interest in other matches/tournaments. The biggest example of the crowd's disinterest is seen every year in the home-grown International League T20 (ILT20).
