Zimbabwe to host World Cup Qualifiers in March 2018

The battle for the final two spots in the 2019 World Cup will begin in Zimbabwe in March 2018, after the country was announced the host of the qualifying tournament. Among the countries taking part in the competition is West Indies who failed to gain direct entry into the showpiece event. They will be joined by the bottom-three ranked ODI nations – Zimbabwe, Afghanistan and Ireland – the top four sides from the ICC World Cricket League Championship and the top two from the ICC World Cricket League Division 2.

Qualification by this method was finalised after Windies lost the first match of their ODI series against England in September 2017, meaning they were unable to climb up top the 8th spot in the ICC ODI rankings by the cut-off date. Earlier, Bangladesh were scheduled to host the qualifiers but because they gained direct entry, finishing in the top eight of the ICC ODI rankings on the cut-off day, September 30, Zimbabwe put themselves up for consideration.

Three bidders

It was in May 2017 that it was confirmed that the event would instead be hosted elsewhere. Three bids were under consideration; one from Zimbabwe, one from the United Arab Emirates and a joint-bid from Ireland and Scotland. Today, the International Cricket Council (ICC) announced that Zimbabwe will host the event.

The ICC inspected the facilities about a month ago and it is understood that apart from the two regular international venues – Harare Sports Club and Queens Sports Club – the grounds at Takashinga, Bulawayo Athletic Club and in Kwe-Kwe will also be used for the tournament.

The World Cricket League Championship is already underway, with all participants having played more than 10 matches each. Netherlands are leading the points table, with eight wins. Papua New Guinea are second, Scotland third and Hong Kong fourth.