The match schedule for the ICC U19 Men’s Cricket World Cup 2024 has been revealed as hosts Sri Lanka put together to welcome the longer term stars of world cricket to the island nation for the primary time since 2006. Five venues in Colombo are set to stage the motion from January 13, with the ultimate on February 4 at R Premadasa International Cricket Stadium, as per ICC press launch. Hosts Sri Lanka play Zimbabwe on opening day whereas defending champions India open up a day later in opposition to 2020 champions Bangladesh.

Sixteen groups are set to compete for the trophy throughout 41 matches from January 13 to  February 4, comprising the 11 best-placed Full Member groups on the final version and 5 groups who earned their World Cup spot by way of regional qualification pathways – Namibia, Nepal, New Zealand, Scotland and USA.

Five venues situated in Colombo will stage the fifteenth version of the celebrated occasion; the P. Sara Oval, Colombo Cricket Club, Nondescripts Cricket Club, Singhalese Sports Club and the R Premadasa International Cricket Stadium, the world chosen to host each semifinals on January 30 and February 1 and the Ffnal on February 4.

The motion begins on January 13 with three fixtures going down on opening day. Hosts Sri Lanka tackle Zimbabwe on the R Premadasa International Cricket Stadium, whereas 2022 finalists England play Scotland at Colombo Cricket Club and New Zealand face off in opposition to Nepal on the P. Sara Oval.

India, who triumphed within the 2022 version within the West Indies, start the defence of their crown in opposition to 2020 winners Bangladesh a day afterward January 14 on the R Premadasa International Cricket Stadium.

In a revised format that has been launched for the upcoming version, groups progressing from the group levels will enter a brand new Super Six stage, beginning January 24, the place two teams of six groups will conflict to find out the semi-finalists and the next finalists.

In the group listings, holders India are joined by Bangladesh, Ireland and the US in Group A. Group B consists of England, South Africa, West Indies and Scotland. Group C options Australia, Sri Lanka, Zimbabwe and Namibia whereas Group D is made up of Afghanistan, Pakistan, New Zealand and Nepal.

Speaking on the announcement of the schedule, ICC Head of Events, Chris Tetley remarked, “The ICC U19 Men’s Cricket World Cup has a long-standing history of introducing global audiences to future stars of the sport.

“Virat Kohli, Steve Smith, Kane Williamson and Angelo Mathews are some of the names that made their entrance onto the world stage at this event, and we are certain to see this tradition continue as the drama unfolds across the 41 tournament fixtures.

“We are thrilled to see the competition return to Sri Lanka for the first time since 2006, in what promises to be a festival of cricket with no shortage of entertainment, and we are proud to offer fans the chance to witness the action for free once more.”

Tournament Director, Samantha Dodanwela added, “Sri Lanka Cricket is delighted to be welcoming this prestigious event back to Sri Lanka after 18 years.

“Sri Lanka is renowned for its passionate, cricket-loving fans, and we are looking forward to giving them the opportunity to watch some of the most promising young cricketers in the world over 23 days of competition. The five venues selected to host the event in January and February next year have been graced by many exceptionally talented cricketers over the years, and it will be fitting for these historic grounds to host the future stars of the game.

“With so much to look forward to, we have no doubt that the event will help showcase Sri Lanka as an ideal destination for cricket.”

Ahead of the occasion, every competing workforce will play two warm-up matches. These will happen throughout 4 of the 5 event venues.

The hosts will likely be hoping to go one higher than their earlier finest end, once they had been runners-up to India on the ultimate of the competitors again in 2000.

The landmark occasion has been the springboard for a number of the most recognisable stars of the worldwide recreation. Through the historical past of the occasion, India are probably the most embellished with 5 U19 Men’s Cricket World Cup titles, Australia have received the occasion thrice, Pakistan twice, whereas England, Bangladesh, South Africa and West Indies have every been topped as soon as.

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