ICC U19 Men’s Cricket World Cup a Perfect Launchpad for Future Stars – Taibu

ISLAMABAD (Mudassar Ch/ Web Desk)- The ICC Under-19 Men’s Cricket World Cup remains one of the most important platforms for young cricketers to showcase their talent on the global stage, according to former Zimbabwe captain Tatenda Taibu.

Taibu, who was named Player of the Tournament at the 2002 ICC U19 Men’s Cricket World Cup in New Zealand, believes the competition can act as a major springboard into professional cricket. His own performances at the tournament paved the way for a distinguished international career, during which he represented Zimbabwe in 150 One Day Internationals.

With the 2026 ICC U19 Men’s Cricket World Cup set to be co-hosted by Zimbabwe and Namibia, Taibu has been announced as the tournament ambassador. He says the role has brought back special memories from his own youth career.

“As soon as I got the call, my mind raced back to when I was Under-19 myself and it feels nice to be part of that again,” Taibu said. “Being Player of the Tournament will always stick in my mind for the rest of my life.”

Taibu featured in two Under-19 World Cups, playing in Sri Lanka in 2000 and New Zealand in 2002. While Zimbabwe did not progress beyond the group stage in 2002, Taibu delivered several standout performances, including a three-wicket haul against Namibia and influential displays with both bat and ball as Zimbabwe went on to win the Plate competition.

“There is pressure because you are playing for your country and everyone wants to use this as a trampoline into professional cricket,” he said. “But they must not forget to enjoy the game. You play better when you enjoy cricket. When you put too much pressure on yourself, things can go wrong.”

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Taibu also stressed the importance of memories over statistics. “The numbers will always be there, but it’s the memories and the people that stay with you for a lifetime,” he added.

A prodigious talent, Taibu made his first-class debut at just 16, his senior international debut at 18, and went on to become the youngest Test captain in history at the age of 20 in 2004. He retired from international cricket at 29 but remains involved in the sport as head coach of Papua New Guinea.

Currently based in the United Kingdom, Taibu says he is eagerly looking forward to returning home for the tournament, which will take place in January and February 2026.

“Being back home will feel good,” he said. “I’m looking forward to seeing how Zimbabwe cricket is doing, from the grassroots to the elite level.”

Taibu also expects strong fan support during the tournament. “There is no doubt there will be large crowds, especially in Harare. Bulawayo might have smaller numbers, but sometimes they are the loudest. The love for the game in Zimbabwe has grown over the years.”

The 2026 ICC U19 Men’s Cricket World Cup is expected to bring together the world’s most promising young cricketers, offering them a stage to create memories—and potentially launch their future international careers.