In order to shortlist three Caribbean countries which will host the ICC under-19 men’s cricket World Cup, the Cricket West Indies (CWI) has announced a regional bid process.
Significantly, it will be the first time West Indies will host the tournament.
The tournament will feature 16 teams competing over a one-month period starting in early 2022.
The teams will battle for one of the eight spots in the Super League stage before having the chance to win the ICC U19 Men’s Cricket World Cup Trophy. The remaining eight teams will fight for the ICC U19 Men’s Cricket World Cup Plate. West Indies have won the tournament once before, in February, 2016 when they beat India in the final in Dhaka, Bangladesh.
“We will leverage this tournament to improve the cricket facilities available at the age-group level and to continue to strengthen and build our relationships with governments, local cricket associations and businesses,” said Johnny Grave, CEO of Cricket West Indies said in a statement.
Countries have been required to demonstrate their ability to stage the matches by providing adequate match and training facilities, undergo a venue inspection, provide immigration, customs, medical and security support, as well as other operational and logistical requirements including accommodation for the members of the teams, match officials and broadcast crew.
Once all bids have been reviewed the successful host countries will be announced, which is expected within the next month. Those selected will have the opportunity to promote their country to over 75 million people who will be watching from all over the world. This tournament will also inject an estimated US$10 million into the economy of each host nation.
Significantly, Bangladesh are the defending the championsofthe tournament.