eBusiness Weekly
Chipo Sabeta
Beyond the near-term economic and social impact of hosting the International Cricket Council Women Twenty20 World Cup Africa Qualifier in May, the event is expected to bring significant longer-term benefits that include boosting tourism by raising the profile of host city Harare, infrastructure development, home advantage and national pride among others.
Zimbabwe was awarded the rights to host the African Regional Qualifying Tournament, from May 5-13, a tourney that serves as the final qualifying event for the ICC T-20 World Cup for Associate Members.
Zimbabwe Cricket (ZC) spokesperson Darling Majonga, said the granting of the rights was based on the ICC being impressed with the way the country successfully handled the 2019 Men’s Cricket World Cup Qualifier held early last year.
Majonga said the platform provides invaluable marketing and promotional opportunities that will have ongoing benefits, strengthening Zimbabwe’s reputation as a tourist and business friendly destination and further encouraging travel to the region.
“Obviously impressed by the way we successfully hosted the ICC Cricket World Cup Qualifier 2018, the ICC had the easiest of decisions in choosing us as the hosts of the upcoming ICC Women’s Qualifier Africa 2019,” he said.
“It was absolutely awesome to see thousands of Zimbabweans, young and old, warmly embracing the game of cricket and making last year’s qualifier tournament a truly memorable experience. We hope this time round, as nine women’s teams clash, thousands of fans will once again pack our stadia and create a carnival atmosphere that is uniquely and authentically Zimbabwean.
“Hotels and restaurants as well as bus and car hire companies will enjoy brisk business during the tournament, while companies providing catering, security, laundry and communications services will also benefit from the cricket event.
“Moreover, this event will present us with another incredible opportunity to showcase not only the passion for cricket in Zimbabwe, but also the warmth of our people as well as the breath-taking beauty of our country and its tourist attractions.”
There is always the so-called legacy aspect to hosting such tournaments in the form of additional and improved stadia, improved road, networks, infrastructure and upgrade of sporting facilities.
Involving nine nations, the qualifier will be played across three facilities — Harare Sports Club, Takashinga Cricket Ground and Old Hararians and these are poised for improvements and refurbishments.
Majonga added: “Apart from sparking nationwide interest in the sport and being a catalyst for improved facilities to support the development of the game of cricket at all levels, tournaments such as the ICC Women’s Qualifier Africa 2019 always have a strong and positive impact on the economy of Zimbabwe.
“And thanks to the event, we will also see increased cooperation and goodwill between the various stakeholders — Zimbabwe Cricket, the Government, commercial partners, the media and the community at large who are all key to ensuring the tournament is a huge success.
Winners of the Africa qualifier will proceed to take part in the global qualification tournament where they stand an opportunity to make it to next year’s ICC Women T20 World Cup to be held in Australia.
Zimbabwe will look forward to their passionate home support to help them secure the ICC Cricket World Cup qualification spot.
Zimbabwe have to up their game to beat seasonal threat posed by Uganda, a side that has given them a torrid time in recent times that the two teams have played each other.
It was the Ugandans who beat Zimbabwe by three wickets in ICC Women World T20 Africa Qualifier in Windhoek, in September 2017 before another seven runs upset in the final of the Women’s T20 Challenge held in Harare last year.
All-rounder, Mary-Anne Musonda tipped the ladies to qualify given their imposing status on the African continent in the women’s version of the sport.
Musonda, who has been making significant strides as a captain after a 5-0 white wash against Namibia in a series played in Windhoek.
And the fact that they will be playing on home ground, they will fancy their chances when they will launch their campaign.
“Hosting the tournament is a fantastic feeling. We have to take advantage of playing at home. Qualifying is our daily goal and that is what we are working towards,” said Musonda
Whilst announcing the new team earlier this month, ZC Managing Director, Givemore Makoni said the qualifiers present an opportunity for the country to show its love for the game and a platform to identify raw unheralded talent.
“We are tremendously excited to be hosting the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup Qualifier 2019 event, which will bring some of the world’s most talented and gifted cricketers to our beautiful country.” he said.
While the ultimate goal for the teams involved will be to secure one of the two remaining berths at the ICC Cricket World Cup 2020, Makoni believes such qualifier events always provide the platform for raw talent and unheralded players.
