CAPE TOWN: Host cities for the inaugural ICC Women’s U19 T20 World Cup and the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2023 have been announced.
According to ICC information, both events will take place in South Africa. While the U19 tournament will happen in January 2023, the senior women’s event will take place from 10 to 26 February.
The coastal cities of Gqeberha (formerly Port Elizabeth), Paarl and Cape Town will host the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup, while the first edition of the U19 Women’s T20 World Cup will take place in Benoni and Potchefstroom.
The 10 nations will participate in the senior women’s tournament, eight of which have been confirmed – South Africa, Australia, India, England, New Zealand, Sri Lanka, Pakistan, West Indies. The remaining two teams will be determined at the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup Qualifiers, which will take place in the UAE in September 2022.
“We’re thrilled to announce the three cities to host the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup,” Tournament Director, Russell Adams said.
“The Eastern and Western Cape are prime cricket and tourist locations with great facilities and infrastructure. We have no doubt that these venues will step up to make this a memorable and uniquely African celebration of cricket for the local and international fans attending the event.”
The U19 T20 World Cup will be a 16-team event. With 15 teams decided (Australia, India, England, New Zealand, South Africa, Sri Lanka, Pakistan, West Indies, United States of America, Zimbabwe, United Arab Emirates, Indonesia, Netherlands), the final spot will be confirmed at the conclusion of the Africa Qualifier in September.
U19 Women’s T20 World Cup Tournament Director Sivuyile Mqingwana is looking forward to the tournament. “This is a special time for women’s cricket in South Africa, we are excited to be host of the inaugural U19 Women’s T20 World Cup and look forward to the spotlight focusing on the world’s best cricketers,” she said.
ICC Head of Events Chris Tetly also expressed his excitement at the announcement. “We are delighted to announce the host cities for both women’s events taking place in South Africa in early 2023.