Future stars shine: ICC U19 Men’s Cricket World Cup 2026 kicks off

WEB DESK: Harare and Windhoek woke to more than just the African sun on 15 January 2026, they woke to the start of a cricketing spectacle that promises to define the next generation of the sport. The ICC Under-19 Men’s Cricket World Cup 2026 officially began, bringing together 16 nations, a mix of established cricket powerhouses and emerging talent, all vying for glory on the global stage.

Young leaders, big dreams

At the heart of the tournament are 16 captains, each carrying the hopes of their country and the ambition to leave a mark. India is led by Ayush Mhatre, Australia by Oliver Peake, England by Thomas Rew, Pakistan by Farhan Yousaf, and South Africa by Muhammad Bulbulia. Other teams are captained by talented youngsters from nations including Japan, Tanzania, and the USA, showing that cricket’s future is more diverse than ever. These young leaders are not just players; they are storytellers in action, ready to create the first chapters of careers that could one day light up international cricket.

Venues of promise

The tournament unfolds across six iconic and emerging venues. In Zimbabwe, matches are being held at Harare Sports Club, Takashinga Sports Club, and Queens Sports Club in Bulawayo. In Namibia, the action takes place at the Namibia Cricket Ground and the High-Performance Oval in Windhoek. Each ground now doubles as a stage where the next legends will showcase talent, resilience, and sheer love for the game.

Opening battles and early fireworks

Day one delivered excitement from the very first ball, with India facing the USA, Zimbabwe taking on Scotland, and Tanzania going up against the West Indies. These matches set the tone for a group stage packed with potential upsets and unforgettable moments. Fans are already looking forward to blockbuster encounters ahead, including Pakistan versus England, India versus Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka versus Australia.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by ICC (@icc)

Global eyes on the young guns

The ICC U19 World Cup is capturing the attention of cricket fans across the globe. In India, viewers can watch the action live on JioHotstar and Star Sports, while in the UK, broadcasts are available on Sky Sports and BBC Test Match Special. In Australia, fans can tune in via Amazon Prime Video, while SuperSport covers the tournament across Africa. WillowTV brings the action to audiences in the USA and Canada, and ICC.tv ensures worldwide coverage. Every six, every wicket, and every moment of brilliance is just a click away for cricket fans everywhere.

More than a trophy

The ICC U19 Men’s Cricket World Cup has never been just about winning. It is where unknown names become household legends, and where cricket fans can say, “I watched him before the world knew.” As chants rise in stadiums and social media buzzes with excitement, one truth is clear: the future of cricket is not coming — it is already here, shining brightly in Zimbabwe and Namibia.

The road ahead

From the Super Six to the semi-finals on 3 and 4 February, culminating in the grand final at Harare Sports Club on 6 February, every match will be a chance for young talent to rise, for fans to witness history, and for cricket’s next generation to step into the spotlight. Cricket’s future stars are not waiting for opportunity; they are creating it, one boundary at a time.