ICC announces schedule for U-19 World Cup 2020: Details here
What's the story
The International Cricket Council (ICC) on Thursday announced the schedule for the Under-19 World Cup which will be held in 2020 from January 17 to February 9 in South Africa. Defending champions India have been grouped in Group A alongside Sri Lanka, New Zealand and Japan. India start their campaign on January 19 against Sri Lanka. Here are the details.
Groups
Here's how the groups shape up
2014 champions South Africa will play Afghanistan in the first match of the tournament at the Diamond Oval in Kimberley. Here are the four groups and the 16 teams set to feature: Group A: India, New Zealand, Sri Lanka, Japan. Group B: Australia, England, West Indies, Nigeria. Group C: Pakistan, Bangladesh, Zimbabwe, Scotland. Group D: Afghanistan, South Africa, UAE, Canada.
Details
Key details regarding the U-19 World Cup
After the group stages, the U-19 event will be played with teams divided into Super League and Plate tournaments. The top two teams from each of the four groups will advance to the Super League while the remaining teams are set to feature in the Plate championship. Apart from the main tournament, the teams will also play warm-up games from January 12 to 15.
ICC statement
'U-19 WC is a very important event in our calendar'
"The U-19 Cricket World Cup is a very important event in our calendar as it brings together the world's most promising young players in a major ICC tournament, giving them the experience of competing on the global stage," ICC head of Events Chris Tetley was quoted as saying. Meanwhile, the entry of fans will be free to make cricket more enjoyable.
Information
Japan and Nigeria set to make their debuts
The likes of Japan and Nigeria are set to make their debuts at the ICC global event. Meanwhile, the JB Marks Oval in Potchefstroom will be a key venue. The stadium will host two Super League quarter-finals, both semi-finals and the final.
Quote
Free entry for all the matches, claims ICC
"We have some excellent venues for this tournament, and we are offering free entry to all matches giving cricket fans in South Africa the opportunity to watch the next generation of superstars," Tetley added.