TAKASHINGA Cricket Club emerged as the symbolic heartbeat of Zimbabwe’s Under 19 World Cup build-up yesterday after the ICC U19 Men’s Cricket World Cup Trophy completed its national tour at the Highfield community venue.

The iconic trophy was officially handed over at Takashinga by Zimbabwe Cricket chairperson Tavengwa Mukuhlani to the Minister of Provincial Affairs and Devolution for Harare, Charles Tavengwa, marking the end of a three-day tour that also took place in Masvingo and Bulawayo.

By hosting the final stop, Takashinga once again underlined its growing status as a centre of youth development and community-driven cricket, a fitting setting ahead of a tournament that celebrates young talent from around the world.

Mukuhlani said it was no coincidence that the tour concluded at Takashinga, where Zimbabwe’s group matches against England, Pakistan and Scotland will be played during the World Cup.

“This tournament is more than a showcase of talent. It is a celebration of youth, sportsmanship and national pride,” Mukuhlani said.

“It is fitting that the trophy ends its journey here at Takashinga, a community club that reflects the values we want to promote in Zimbabwean cricket.”

Minister Charles Tavengwa said hosting the Under-19 World Cup would strengthen regional cooperation and support the growth of cricket at a local level as he received the trophy on behalf of the Government.

“This prestigious symbol of global sporting excellence represents not only the highest standards of youth cricket but also serves as a powerful beacon of inspiration for the young people of our beloved nation, Zimbabwe,” he said.

He added that the tournament fits squarely within Government policy priorities.

“To us, this aligns directly with the strategic objectives of the National Development Strategy Tool, that is NDS2, which prioritises the promotion of Zimbabwe as a competitive and attractive destination for international events. Today’s occasion provides a significant platform to showcase another metropolitan province in Zimbabwe at large as a premier hub for sports tourism, distinguished by quality infrastructure, a safe environment, and unparalleled hospitality. We are known as Zimbabweans for our hospitality throughout the world,” Tavengwa said.