New Mecca of Zimbabwe Cricket takes shape

 ZIMBABWE Cricket (ZC) Managing Director, Givemore Makoni, has announced significant progress at the Mosi-oa-Tunya International Cricket Stadium, situated in the resort city of Victoria Falls. The foundation stone for the multi-purpose 10 000-seater stadium was laid in May last year, and Makoni told Saturday Chronicle that most of the groundwork has been completed. The stadium is set to be finished in time for the 2027 ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup, which Zimbabwe will co-host with South Africa and Namibia.

Makoni reported that substantial progress has been made in earthworks, with the field levelled and centre and nets wickets planted.

“We have made significant progress in terms of earthwork. Levelling the ground has been done to ensure that the outfield maintains the same levels. We have also planted wickets on the main pitch and for practice. We have also done the 30 yards for the main pitch. Right now, we are working on the grass embankment, and then the main building structures will follow soon after. We have also secured the area with an electric fence. So, we have really made some significant progress, and everything is well on course and up to plan,” said Makoni.

In addition to the 2027 World Cup, Zimbabwe will co-host the 2026 ICC Men’s Under-19 Cricket World Cup with Namibia. Makoni stated that the new ground, touted as the “New Mecca” of Zimbabwean cricket, is primarily earmarked for the 2027 global showpiece.

“The Mosi-oa-Tunya Cricket Stadium is earmarked mainly for the 2027 World Cup. Maybe there might be some practice sessions held there for the Under-19 World Cup, but the target is 2027. We are confident that we will meet that target,” Makoni said.

ZC was awarded 10 hectares within the Masuwe Special Economic Zone for the construction of the stadium. Located in a coveted tourist destination, the stadium is set to eclipse the conventional cricketing hub — Harare Sports Club — with the magnetic charm and splendour of Victoria Falls. The stadium is expected to be a visual delight, a sterling addition not only to Zimbabwe but to the international cricket community. Moreover, it is anticipated to be a significant boon for the nation’s sports tourism sector.

Makoni highlighted that the stadium would also benefit the local community, having a substantial tourism impact. Apart from Victoria Falls, he revealed plans to ensure that every province in the country gets a first-class international facility to spread and develop the game in all corners of the country.

“Our main objective is to make sure that cricket is the number one sport in the country. The stadium in Victoria Falls is huge for tourism; there is a footprint there. Apart from that, we have also earmarked land in Dangamvura in Mutare and in Gweru to develop first-class venues. We also have the Zimbabwe Cricket Academy being built in Matabeleland South in Esigodini. We are on point in trying to decentralise and spread the game across the country,” he said.

Makoni further said that part of their decentralisation effort is to ensure that everyone gets the chance to play cricket, as it is a game that can change lives.

“We want everyone to play cricket. We want the majority, from all backgrounds, to be able to play cricket. Cricket makes a difference; look at the likes of Tatenda Taibu, Chris Mpofu, and Hamilton Masakadza, for example. We want kids all over, down in remote areas, to play cricket; that’s our main target. We want disadvantaged kids to play cricket. There is nothing special about this game; it’s a game for everyone, and for all,” said Makoni.

The 2027 Cricket World Cup is scheduled for October/November. Meanwhile, the 2027 World Cup co-hosts, Namibia, have also made significant progress with their FNB Namibia Cricket Ground, situated in Windhoek. The 7 000-seater state-of-the-art facility is nearing completion and will be the first venue in Namibia to host any World Cup game.

“The journey to developing Namibia’s new international cricket stadium has been a meticulously planned process, aligning with our vision of positioning the country as a top-tier Associate Member. Having a world-class cricket venue is a milestone that solidifies Namibia’s status as a leading Associate Member. It signifies our commitment to long-term cricketing excellence, not only in on-field performance but in administrative and infrastructural development. This stadium will serve as a beacon for cricket in Africa, ensuring Namibia remains a host nation for top-tier ICC events and a key player in global cricket discussions,” said Cricket Namibia CEO, Johan Muller.

Source: New Mecca of Zimbabwe Cricket takes shape (08/03/25)