Zimbabwe give positive update on venue progress ahead of 2027 World Cup

The African country's cricket board said the final phase of construction at the Mosi-oa-Tunya International Stadium in Victoria Falls, with the main building works substantially complete at what will be Zimbabwe's newest international venue.

During a recently concluded International Cricket Council (ICC) inspection, the lush green outfield and facilities taking shape around it offered a glimpse of what players and supporters can expect when international cricket arrives in Victoria Falls.

The media centre, broadcast centre, changing rooms, medical facility, grandstands and grass banks are substantially complete.

Roofing, the installation of bucket seats and other finishing works are underway, while corporate gazebos are also set to be installed.

ZC managing director Givemore Makoni said the delivery of all outstanding construction materials had cleared the way for the remaining works.

"The main building works are as good as complete and we are now concentrating on the finishes that will bring the stadium together, with all the outstanding materials having been delivered," he said.

"When you look at the outfield and how the facilities are taking shape, there is a real sense of excitement about how close we are to playing cricket here."

The stadium's first trial match will provide an early opportunity to assess its readiness, with full completion targeted for mid-2027, when an international series is planned to put the venue through a more extensive test ahead of the World Cup.

"The initial trial match will give us an opportunity to assess the playing facilities and essential match-day operations," Makoni said.

Victoria Falls will join Harare and Bulawayo as Zimbabwe's host cities for the tournament, which the country will stage alongside South Africa and Namibia.

The ICC inspection began at Takashinga Cricket Club in Harare, which is being considered as a potential venue for World Cup warm-up matches, before proceeding to Harare Sports Club, Victoria Falls and Queens Sports Club in Bulawayo.

The delegation was led by 2027 World Cup tournament director Sarah Edgar and Zimbabwe tournament director Hamilton Masakadza.

"We are pleased with the progress made in addressing the baseline requirements to bring the venues up to the standards necessary for the ICC Men's Cricket World Cup 2027," she said.

"The improvements to the stadiums and wider venue infrastructure are clearly evident and will help ensure the grounds are ready to host the tournament.

"Victoria Falls, in particular, is an exciting project. International fans will be in for a real treat, with the opportunity to experience international cricket at such an iconic destination.

"Victoria Falls is already a world-renowned tourist attraction and bringing cricket to this remarkable setting will add another dimension to the experience for visiting fans."

In Harare and Bulawayo, preparations centre on upgrading established grounds to meet tournament requirements that have evolved considerably since Zimbabwe last hosted the World Cup in 2003.

Selected stands at Harare Sports Club and Queens Sports Club will be refurbished with bucket seats, while floodlight installations are planned for Queens Sports Club and the Mosi-oa-Tunya stadium ahead of the tournament.

Masakadza said the inspection had helped clarify the adjustments required at the existing venues and reinforced confidence in the progress at Victoria Falls.

"We've identified areas where we will adjust a little bit and tailor-make to the ICC requirements for the 2027 event," he said.

"In Victoria Falls, there is a lot of progress and we're all very excited about how things are looking there. In terms of the timelines as well, we're very comfortable with what's happening there."

For ZC, the Mosi-oa-Tunya International Cricket Stadium represents both a major World Cup undertaking and an investment in the game's future, extending Zimbabwe's international cricket footprint to one of the world's most celebrated tourist destinations.

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