
The Men’s Under-19 World Cup, originally slated for Sri Lanka, has been rescheduled to occur in South Africa from January 19 to February 11 next year. The final showdown is set to unfold in Benoni. The tournament introduces a modified format, with teams advancing from the initial groups moving on to a Super Six stage before progressing to the knockout rounds.
The participating teams are distributed across four groups: Group A includes India, Bangladesh, Ireland, and the USA; Group B comprises England, South Africa, West Indies, and Scotland; Group C features Australia, Sri Lanka, Zimbabwe, and Namibia; and Group D includes Afghanistan, Pakistan, New Zealand, and Nepal.

The opening day will witness two games – Ireland versus the USA in Bloemfontein and South Africa against West Indies in Potchefstroom. Defending champions India will commence their campaign on the following day, facing off against 2020 champions Bangladesh in Bloemfontein. Leading up to the main event, teams will engage in two warm-up matches each from January 13 to 17, taking place in Johannesburg and Pretoria.
A total of 41 matches will be contested at five venues: Mangaung Oval in Bloemfontein, JB Marks Oval in Potchefstroom, Buffalo Park in East London, Kimberley Oval, and Willowmoore Park in Benoni, which will host the final.
The tournament had to relocate from Sri Lanka following the ICC’s provisional suspension of Sri Lanka Cricket due to government interference.Previously, South Africa successfully hosted the ICC U19 Women’s T20 World Cup and the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup, will now welcome the best young cricketers around the world to these international venues.
The event aims not only to showcase cricket excellence but also to promote the sport among South Africans, attracting new fans and young talent to the game. It will be a great opportunity and experience for South Africa to to enhance its hosting capabilities for the preparation of the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2027.
