The International Cricket Council (ICC) on Wednesday announced the schedule for the 16th edition of the U19 Men’s Cricket World Cup, which will take place from 15 January to 6 February 2026 in Zimbabwe and Namibia.
A total of 16 teams will take part in the tournament. These teams will be divided into four groups and will compete across 41 matches over 23 days. It is pertinent to note that India and Pakistan have been placed in different groups.
ICC Chairman Jay Shah expressed his excitement for the upcoming tournament, saying: “The ICC U19 Men’s Cricket World Cup has long been the cradle of greatness, a tournament that reveals not just the next generation of cricketers, but the next generation of icons. From Brian Lara and Sanath Jayasuriya to Virat Kohli, Kane Williamson, Steve Smith and Shubman Gill, the event has consistently shaped the future of our sport. As we look ahead to the 2026 edition in Zimbabwe and Namibia, we are excited to provide young cricketers with a world-class platform that mirrors the standards and pressures of senior international cricket.”
The multi-nation event will be played across five venues: Harare Sports Club (Harare, Zimbabwe), Takashinga Sports Club (Harare), Queens Sports Club (Bulawayo, Zimbabwe), Namibia Cricket Ground (Windhoek, Namibia), and HP Oval (Windhoek).
India, runners-up in the last edition, will play the tournament opener against the USA on January 15 at Queens Sports Club, Bulawayo. On the same day, Zimbabwe will face Scotland, while Tanzania will take on the 2016 winners, the West Indies.
Group Division:
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