Photo Credit: ICC
South Africa gears up for a spectacular celebration of cricket also featuring the inaugural ICC U19 Women’s T20 World Cup
It’s less than 200 days-to-go until the world’s best cricketers land in South Africa for the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup in February 2023 for the biggest women’s sporting event in Africa ever.
Cricket in South Africa is gearing up for an unprecedented celebration of women’s cricket in the next year, which also includes the hosting of the first ever ICC U19 Women’s T20 World Cup.
The two events will showcase the next generation of cricket stars along with some iconic and world class local and international superstars – a spectacular exhibition to set alight the cricketing calendar and provide a platform for fast-paced and thrilling cricket for fans around the world to enjoy.
This is South Africa’s first senior World Cup since the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup in 2007 and an exciting opportunity for the Proteas to vie for their first piece of silverware in front of their fans and claim the ultimate prize in T20 cricket.
Proteas captain, Dane van Niekerk, says it will be a dream come true to contest a World Cup in her home country.
“It’s an exciting time for women’s cricket in South Africa and around the world,” Van Niekerk said. “Playing for South Africa is a massive honour and playing a World Cup in front of our fans and families, that is what dreams are made of,” she said. “When we started playing cricket, most of us never thought we would play in a World Cup at home, to be able to do that is a privilege. I hope the crowds will come in their numbers and people from around the world will come and experience our beautiful country.”
“The senior and U19 events are going to be a much-needed boost for women’s cricket in South Africa,” she added. “There is a lot of talent and interest in the women’s game, we need opportunities and platforms to express our talent so this will go a long way in growing the game.”
The 10-team global showpiece will be putting South Africa and the continent back on world cricket’s spotlight, and all efforts are being put in place to make it a uniquely African celebration of cricket.
Seasoned sports administrator and Cricket South Africa (CSA) Independent Board Member, Muditambi Ravele, will lead an experienced Advisory Board made up of CSA Independent Board Members, Daniel Govender (Governance and stakeholder relations) and Mark Rayner (Commercial and Marketing). The trio will be supported by experienced event management administrator, Russell Adams, who will oversee the full event LOC operations as the Tournament Director.
Ravele has served in sport at all levels and holds a revered CV having sat on the respective Tennis South Africa, Netball South Africa, and Boxing South Africa Boards.
“Our mandate is simple, we want to make this the biggest women’s sporting event in Africa ever,” Ravele expressed. “These two events are going to leave a lasting legacy for women’s cricket in the country and continent. We want to inspire, entertain, and connect fans supporters through the hosting of these world class events. We are looking forward to welcoming the world’s best cricketers to our shores.
Ravele hopes Banyana Banyana’s triumph at the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) will spur on wider support for the women’s game in South Africa.
“Congratulations to Banyana Banyana on their sensational achievement,” Ravele said. “Their victory has shown the power of women's sport, and how it can bring the country together. We hope their performance will give women's sport in our country the platform it deserves, and all South Africans will continue to support our efforts during this exciting time.”
Plans and preparations for the landmark event are in full swing, with major announcements and partnerships to be released in due course.
