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Jay Shah Meets Africa Cricket Leaders, Backs Growth at U19 World Cup

ICC Chair Jay Shah met with leaders of the Africa Cricket Association in Windhoek, Namibia, to discuss the growth and support of cricket across the African continent. He also attended an Under-19 World Cup match at the new Namibia Cricket Ground (NCG), praising the venue and the future stars on display. Namibia is co-hosting the ongoing U19 World Cup with Zimbabwe, utilizing new facilities like the NCG. The NCG is a historic venue, set to host matches for the 2026 U19 World Cup and the 2027 Men's Cricket World Cup, marking Namibia's debut as a World Cup host.

Key Points: ICC's Jay Shah Meets Africa Cricket Leaders in Windhoek

  • ICC chair meets Africa cricket leaders
  • Commitment to grow cricket in Africa
  • Attends U19 World Cup match in Namibia
  • Namibia co-hosts U19 World Cup with Zimbabwe
  • New NCG venue to host future ICC events
2 min read

ICC chair Jay Shah meets Africa Cricket Association leaders in Windhoek; attends U19 WC match

ICC Chair Jay Shah meets Africa Cricket Association leaders in Windhoek, commits to growing cricket across Africa, and attends U19 World Cup match.

"A productive day in Windhoek meeting with cricket leaders from the Africa Cricket Association as @ICC looks to grow and support the sport across the continent. - Jay Shah"

New Delhi, Jan 21

International Cricket Council chair Jay Shah met with leaders of the Africa Cricket Association in Windhoek and emphasised the ICC's commitment to expanding cricket across Africa.

He also expressed his delight at watching future stars in action during an Under-19 World Cup match at Cricket Namibia's newly developed NCG venue.

"A productive day in Windhoek meeting with cricket leaders from the Africa Cricket Association as @ICC looks to grow and support the sport across the continent. I also enjoyed seeing future stars of the game at the #U19worldcup match at @CricketNamibia1's terrific new NCG venue," Jay Shah shared on X.

Namibia are splitting hosting duties with Zimbabwe for the ongoing U-19 World Cup. Both Zimbabwe and Namibia will host 12 group-stage matches each.

In Namibia, the action is taking place at the new Namibia Cricket Ground and the HP Oval, both in Windhoek, while in Zimbabwe, Queens Sports Club, Harare Sports Club and Takashinga Sports Club in Harare are the venues for the tournament.

Namibia hosted the ICC Women's T20 World Cup Africa Qualifier in Windhoek from August 31 to September 6 last year, bringing together eight countries competing for two coveted spots at the Global Qualifier for the ICC Women's T20 World Cup.

Last year, Namibia's national men's team hosted South Africa for a historic one-off T20. Namibia made history in more ways than one during this match, as they inaugurated the new Namibia Cricket ground, faced their neighbours, South Africa, for the first time in any international format, and then secured a narrow victory by four wickets.

The FNB NCG made history by hosting matches in the 2026 ICC Under-19 Cricket World Cup and will also host the 2027 ICC Men's Cricket World Cup, marking Namibia's first time hosting World Cup games.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priyanka N
This is positive news. Africa has so much untapped potential for cricket. Hope the BCCI and ICC can work together to provide more coaching and infrastructure support there. The U-19 World Cup is always a joy to watch, future stars indeed!
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Aman W
While expanding the game is good, I hope the focus remains on improving the quality of cricket in existing associate nations too. Sometimes the gap in infrastructure between full members and others is just too big. A balanced approach is needed.
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Sarah B
Hosting part of the U19 WC and then the 2027 Men's World Cup is huge for Namibia! It's exciting to see new venues get a chance on the world stage. Makes the sport more diverse and interesting.
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Vikram M
Jay Shah doing good work. But as an Indian fan, I also want to see more bilateral series with teams like Namibia and Zimbabwe to help them grow. Our board has the resources to make it happen. Let's not just talk, let's act.
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Kriti O
Love this! The story about Namibia beating South Africa in their first-ever T20 is inspiring. This is what cricket is about – creating new histories. All the best to the African teams in the U19 WC! 🎉

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