The International Cricket Council (ICC) has unveiled the U19 Men’s Cricket World Cup 2026, where the arch-rivals India and Pakistan will not meet in the group stage.
The absence of the marquee fixture stands out, especially given how often the two sides are deliberately placed together in ICC youth and senior events to tap into the rivalry’s unmatched global pull.
The tournament will be played between January 15 and February 06, which will continue in the familiar format.
A total of 16 teams, four groups, 41 matches and a super six stage leading into semi-finals and a final.
Meanwhile, the sides will begin arriving on January 08 for warm-ups scheduled from January 9-January 14.
All the games will be played across five venues: Harare Sports Club, Takashinga Sports Club, Queens Sports Club, Namibia Cricket Ground and HP Oval.
The ICC Chairman Jay Shah hailed the tournament’s legacy of shaping future stars, which introduced famous players like Brian Lara, Sanath Jayasuriya, Virat Kohli, Steve Smith, and Shubman Gill, who were the stars of different eras.
“The ICC U19 Men’s cricket World Cup 2026 has long been the cradle of greatness, a tournament that reveals not just the next generation of cricketers, but the next generation of icons,” said Jay Shah.
“From Brian Lara and Sanath Jayasuriya to Virat Kohli, Kane Williamson, Steve Smith and Shubman Gill, the event has consistently shaped the future of our sport.”
“As we look ahead to the 2026 edition in Zimbabwe and Namibia, we are excited to provide young cricketers with a world-class platform that mirrors the standards and pressures of senior international cricket.”
“This tournament is where dreams are ignited, rivalries are born, and the global cricketing landscape begins to take its next form.
“We are especially pleased to welcome Tanzania as they make their debut and join a truly global field of teams.
“I extend my warmest wishes to all participating squads as they embark on this remarkable journey, representing their countries with pride and promise.”
India, Bangladesh, the USA and New Zealand have been placed in Group A, while Zimbabwe, Pakistan, England and Scotland have been placed in Group B.
Group C comprises Australia, Ireland, Japan and Sri Lanka; Group D includes Tanzania, the West Indies, Afghanistan and South Africa.
The opening game will be played between India and the USA on January 15 at Queens Sports Club, Bulawayo.
