CSA rejoice as ICC entrusts them with hosting historic women's T20 tournament

South Africa will be doing its bit to further the continued rapid development of women's cricket by playing host to the inaugural ICC Under-19 T20 World Cup in January next year.

Hailed as "fantastic news" by Pholetsi Moseki, Cricket South Africa's (CSA) chief executive, the tournament will feature 16 teams in a 41-match jamboree showcasing the best upcoming female cricketers in the world.

"We acknowledge the ICC’s show of faith in South Africa, and our vision and desire to work collaboratively to host this momentous event," he said in a statement.

"The U19 Women’s World Cup has been eagerly anticipated by cricket fans and following Covid-19 delays, we are delighted to finally welcome the rising stars of the future onto our shores for what will be an exciting, lesson-filled, and potentially life-changing event."

Appropriately, the tournament will serve as compelling curtain-raiser to the ICC Women's T20 World Cup, which takes place the next month (February) and will put the focus squarely on the Proteas trying to confirm their burgeoning standing in the game by attempting to win an elusive world title.

"On the back of witnessing the fine displays at the recent World Cup, the host cities and venues will be just as excited and ready to set the world stage for the promising cricketers to perform on and be immersed in what will be a first major tournament in the young careers of most of the players," said Moseki.

Lawson Naidoo, chairperson of the CSA board, labelled the opportunity a "watershed moment for the game of cricket, including for the growth of women’s cricket in the world and in South Africa".