Last week, the president of Zimbabwe, Emmerson Mnangagwa, laid the foundation stone for a new multipurpose stadium in Victoria Falls. The stadium development will include a playing field, practice nets, scoreboards, a broadcast and media centre, changing rooms, hospitality facilities, a grandstand and other spectator areas. It will be known as the Mosi-oa-Tunya International Cricket Stadium, even though it will not only be used for cricket, and will host other sporting disciplines and events.
The 10,000-seat stadium has been earmarked as a venue for the 2026/2027 Cricket World Cup, which Zimbabwe is co-hosting with Africa and Namibia. It will also be used for the 2026 Under-19 World Cup, which Zimbabwe is staging alongside Namibia.
Last year, Zimbabwe Cricket (ZC) was awarded 10 hectares of state-owned land to develop an international-standard stadium and associated facilities that would enhance sports tourism in the region. According to local reports, between US$5 million and US$10 million will be invested in the stadium project, with the funding coming mainly from International Cricket Council (ICC) grants.
A tourist resort will also be developed around the stadium, which will include a central business district, a medical facility, a golf estate, a school and conference facilities.
The project has drawn criticism in recent weeks concerning its impact on the natural beauty of Victoria Falls, but at the opening ceremony, Mnangagwa hailed the initiative as a “most welcome” development that will enhance the rich natural heritage associated with the town.
According to minister of tourism Barbra Rwodzi, the stadium is expected to be completed by August 2025, to allow the pitch or grass to be laid a year before the 2026 World Cup.
