International Cricket Council (ICC) has granted Malawi Cricket Union (MCU) hosting rights for the Regional T20 World Cup qualifiers to be staged next year.
ICC’s delegation visited Malawi for the second time from August 28 to September 2 where they inspected facilities.
The delegation from the world cricket governing body first visited the country in 2010.
MCU President, Vivek Ganesan, described the visit as historic.
“This is encouraging as we prepare to host the qualifiers from May 22 to 31. Hosting the qualifiers would greatly help in the development of the game locally,” Ganesan said.
The qualifiers will attract teams such as hosts Malawi, Namibia, Botswana, Mozambique, Zambia, Swaziland, Lesotho and St. Helena with the top two progressing to the next round.
So far, St. Andrews International High School and Blantyre Sports Club have been accepted by ICC to host the prestigious tournament.
Ganesan said the qualifiers were an opportunity for the country to showcase strides made in the game.
“ICC officials were able to see the structures we have put in place. They also conducted an audit of all our systems, procedures, governance and accountability in which Malawi cricket has surpassed all of the ICC criteria and requirements,” he said.
Malawi Vice Captain, Fabrie Kamsonkho, said it was a motivation for Malawi to host the games.
“We are excited because we will have indigenous Malawians from different schools watching the games. This will motivate us and improve their skills as they will learn a lot,” Kamsonkho said.
