South Africa to host inaugural ICC U19 Women’s T20 World Cup

All eyes will be on South Africa early next year after it was announced on Sunday that the country will host the inaugural ICC U19 Women’s T20 World Cup 2023.

The 16-team tournament was originally scheduled to take place in 2021, but the Covid pandemic saw that event delayed twice in that year as the ICC looked for a more suitable date.

That new date was announced at Sunday's ICC Board Meeting, with the 41-match event to take place in January next year and as a curtain raiser ahead of the 2023 ICC Women's T20 World Cup that commences in South Africa on February 9.

It means South Africa will now host two ICC events in the space of two months and Cricket South Africa Chief Executive Pholetsi Moseki is already looking forward to it.

"This is fantastic news, and we acknowledge the ICC’s show of faith in South Africa, and our vision and desire to work collaboratively to host this momentous event," Moseki said.

"The U19 Women’s World Cup has been eagerly anticipated by cricket fans and following COVID-19 delays, we are delighted to finally welcome the rising stars of the future onto our shores for what will be an exciting, lesson-filled, and potentially life-changing event.

"On the back of witnessing the fine displays at the recent World Cup, the host cities and venues will be just as excited and ready to set the world stage for the promising cricketers to perform on and be immersed in what will be a first major tournament in the young careers of most of the players."