Image Credit- ICC
The 2024 men’s Under-19 World Cup will now take place
in South Africa instead of Sri Lanka, as decided by the ICC Board on Tuesday.
The action, which the board decided upon unanimously, came about as a result of
the Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) being temporarily suspended by the ICC because of
significant government meddling in the board’s operations.
There won’t be any direct impact of the development on
how cricket is played every day. The suspension will not affect cricket at any
level, including bilateral and domestic series and tournaments, the ICC Board
decided. The annual funding for the ICC would be under control until the
suspension is removed.
In a media release, the ICC confirmed moving the
tournament to South Africa having heard the SLC. “After hearing
representation from SLC, the ICC Board decided that Sri Lanka can continue to
compete internationally both in bilateral cricket and ICC events after being
suspended recently for breaching its obligations as a Member in particular the
requirement to manage its affairs autonomously and without government
interference.”
Recently, South Africa has emerged as a favourite to
host U-19 World Cup competitions. Both the men’s and women’s U-19 World Cups
were held in the nation in 2020 and 2023, respectively.
The two locations in Benoni (Willowmoore Park A and B)
and Potchefstroom (Absa Puk Oval and Senwes Park) that each hosted the women’s
competition earlier this year are most likely to serve as the 2024 edition’s
venues. The competition will probably take place during the same window that
was initially set for January 13–February 4 in Sri Lanka.
Namibia, Nepal, New Zealand, Scotland, and the United
States of America are the five teams who have earned their places through
regional qualification events. The top 11 Full Member sides from the 2022
edition have qualified directly. The 2024 edition will likewise follow a novel
concept, featuring a brand-new “Super Sixes” part in the event’s
second phase.
India leads all teams in the competition’s history
with five titles, followed by Australia with three. England, Bangladesh, South
Africa, and the West Indies have all won once each, with Pakistan winning
twice.