The International Cricket Council (ICC) has announced that South Africa will host the 2024 Men’s Under-19 Cricket World Cup. The tournament was originally scheduled to be held in Sri Lanka, but the ICC stripped the country of hosting rights due to political interference in its cricket administration.
South Africa to host tournament for third time after Sri Lanka stripped of rights due to political interference
This is the third time that South Africa will host the Under-19 World Cup. The country previously hosted the tournament in 1998 and 2020.
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The ICC said in a statement that it was “disappointed” to have to take the decision to move the tournament from Sri Lanka. However, the ICC said that it had “no choice” but to act after the Sports Ministry of Sri Lanka “interfered” in the affairs of Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC).
The ICC said that it had “tried to work with SLC” to resolve the issue, but that the Sports Ministry had “refused to cooperate”. The ICC said that it was “now up to SLC” to “put its house in order” in order to host future ICC events.
The decision to move the Under-19 World Cup to South Africa is a major blow for Sri Lankan cricket. The country is one of the world’s leading cricket nations, but it has been struggling in recent years. Sri Lanka has failed to qualify for the last two World Cups, and it is currently ranked 10th in the ICC Test rankings.
Impact of ICC’s decision on Sri Lankan cricket:
- Sri Lanka will still be able to participate in bilateral and ICC events, but it will not be able to host them.
- The ICC will continue to monitor the situation in Sri Lanka, and it may reconsider its decision at a later date.
- Sri Lankan cricket will need to make some major changes in order to regain the trust of the ICC
South Africa’s hosting of the Under-19 World Cup:
- South Africa is a strong cricket nation, and it has a good track record of hosting ICC events.
- The country has a number of world-class cricket stadiums, and it is sure to put on a spectacular tournament.
- The Under-19 World Cup is a major event, and it will be a great opportunity for South Africa to showcase its cricket to the world.
Overall, the decision to move the Under-19 World Cup to South Africa is a disappointment for Sri Lankan cricket. However, it is also an opportunity for South Africa to show the world what it can do. The tournament is sure to be a success, and it will be a great boost for South African cricket.
Cricket South Africa has named the 15-player squad that will represent the country during this year’s ICC U19 Cricket World Cup showpiece.
The team will be led by David Teeger and will have a host of top U19 stars from across the country.
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SA U19s Men’s Squad – ICC U19 Men’s World Cup 2024
David Teeger (captain, Lions), Esosa Aihevba (Lions), Juan James (Western Province), Martin Khumalo (Easterns), Kwena Maphaka (Lions), Dewan Marias (Easterns), Riley Norton (Boland), Nqobani Mokoena (KwaZulu-Natal Coastal), Romashan Pillay (KwaZula-Natal Coastal), Sipho Potsane (Lions), Lhuan-dre Pretorius (Lions), Richard Seletswane (Lions), Oliver Whitehead (Western Province), Steve Stolk (Titans), and Ntando Zuma (KwaZulu-Natal Inland).
Management
Malibongwe Maketa (Head Coach), Blanche Conradie (Team Manager), Thabang Kumalo (Fielding Coach), Justin Sammons (Batting Coach), Paul Adams (Bowling Coach), Curtly Diesel (Strength and Conditioning Coach), Salih Solomon (Team Doctor), Sheenagh Jordaan (Physiotherapist) and Kyle Southgate (Performance Analyst).
