The ICC Chair, Jay Shah, sent his best wishes to the U19 cricket teams as they begin their World Cup campaign in Zimbabwe and Namibia. The 16th edition of the ICC Under-19 Cricket World Cup started with a match between India and the United States in Bulawayo. Shah expressed optimism about the youth events being a platform for future cricket stars.
India, led by Ayush Mhatre, is in Group B with New Zealand, USA, and Bangladesh in the tournament. Vice-captain Vihaan Malhotra will support Mhatre during the matches. Australia, the defending champions, have won the title four times, with their latest victory in 2024 against India. Pakistan is the only other team with multiple titles, winning in 2004 and 2006.
The tournament will take place across five venues in Zimbabwe and Namibia, with Zimbabwe hosting 25 matches, including the semi-finals and final. Namibia will host 16 games in Windhoek at the Namibia Cricket Ground and High Performance Oval. The semi-finals will be held at the Queens Sports Club and Harare Sports Club, with the final at Harare Sports Club.
