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[Saba Sports News] In a significant move announced by the International Cricket Council (ICC) during its board meeting on Tuesday announced that the hosting rights for the 2024 Men’s Under-19 World Cup have been shifted from Sri Lanka to South Africa. This decision stems from the ICC’s suspension of the Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) board due to alleged government interference.
The upcoming 15th edition of the Under-19 World Cup is set to take place in South Africa, primarily at Benoni’s Willowmoore Park A and B, as well as Potchefstroom’s Absa Puk Oval and Senwes Park. The tournament is scheduled to run from January 13 to February 4 next year.
Sixteen teams, divided into four groups, will compete in this multinational competition. Group A and Group B will include India, Bangladesh, Ireland and USA, and England, South Africa, Scotland and the West Indies respectively. Meanwhile, Group C and Group D will feature Australia, Sri Lanka, Zimbabwe ans Namibia, and Afghanistan, Pakistan, New Zealand, and Nepal respectively.
South Africa, having previously hosted the inaugural edition of the women’s U-19 World Cup in 2023 and the men’s U-19 World Cup in 1998 and 2020, emerges as a favored choice to organize this prestigious event in 2024.
“The U19 World Cup has been shifted to South Africa from Sri Lanka due to SLC’s suspension. In fact, participating nations were apprised some days back after SLC got suspended. South Africa hosted the U19 WC in 2020. The decision got approval at ICC Board meeting in Ahmedabad,” an ICC board member said as quoted PTI.
Despite the overlap with the SA20’s second edition, scheduled to commence on January 10, Cricket South Africa (CSA) expresses confidence in organizing the World Cup professionally and seamlessly.