The ICC Under-19 World Cup finally kicked off with a unique photo shoot of the tournament trophy alongside cheetahs, which went viral on social media.
The International Cricket Council (ICC) has organised the photo shoot in a national park in Namibia, where cheetahs were seen posing near the coveted trophy. The striking visuals quickly captured fans’ interest, symbolising speed, agility, and the spirit of youth cricket ahead of the tournament’s opening matches.
According to the tournament initial round three matches are scheduled to be played. In the first match, India will take on the United States. The second fixture will see host nation Zimbabwe face Scotland, while Tanzania will compete against the West Indies in the third match. All three matches are set to begin at 12:30 pm Pakistan Standard Time.
However, the Pakistan Under-19 team will begin its campaign tomorrow, when it faces England in its opening match of the tournament.
Most of the experts believe that ICC Under-19 World Cup will showcase emerging cricketing talent from around the world, with several exciting contests lined up in the coming days. The 16th edition of the ICC Under-19 Cricket World Cup is being held in Zimbabwe and Namibia, with the final scheduled on February 6.
Talented Australia are the defending champions, won the 2024 edition with a victory over India in the final and also won the title four times, just behind India, who lifted the trophy on five occasions.
Pakistan are the only team with multiple titles to their name, with successive victories in 2004 and 2006, with West Indies, South Africa, Bangladesh and England to have claimed one triumph each.
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