Windhoek, Namibia – ICC Chairman Jay Shah has arrived in Namibia to witness the ongoing Under-19 Cricket World Cup, co-hosted by Namibia and Zimbabwe. Sharing his excitement on social media, Shah highlighted his engagement with African cricket leaders and the promising young talents on display.
In a post on X, Shah described a productive day meeting with the Africa Cricket Association’s cricket leaders at Windhoek. He emphasized ICC’s commitment to expanding the sport across the continent. ‘It was a great day meeting with cricket leaders from the Africa Cricket Association in Windhoek, as ICC looks to grow and support the game across the entire continent,’ he wrote. Shah also praised the impressive new NSG venue of Cricket Namibia, where he watched U19 World Cup matches featuring ‘the future stars of the game.’
Since assuming the role of ICC Chairman on December 1, 2024, Shah has prioritized cricket’s growth in emerging nations. His visit underscores efforts to nurture the sport in regions where it’s gaining momentum, including both men’s and women’s cricket. Namibia, an emerging force in international cricket, has shown consistent improvement over the past decade. Hosting the U19 World Cup and receiving a visit from the ICC chief signals strong institutional support.
Zimbabwe, the co-host, carries a storied past in cricket but has faced challenges due to internal board-player disputes over the last decade. Recent administrative efforts are yielding positive results, with the team qualifying for the 2026 T20 World Cup after missing the 2024 edition. Shah’s presence highlights ICC’s role in revitalizing cricket in such markets.
The tournament provides a platform for young players to shine while boosting infrastructure and fan engagement in host nations. As Shah continues his global outreach, eyes are on how these initiatives will shape cricket’s future in Africa and beyond.