The ICC Men’s u19 Cricket World Cup 2026 was officially launched by Namibia’s minister of education, innovation, youth, sport, art and culture, Sanet Steenkamp tonight.
Speaking at the Movenpick Hotel in Windhoek, Steenkamp welcomed the participating nations, saying it was a momentous occasion for Namibian sport and a historic moment for the nation.
Some of the dignitaries in attendance included the Japanese ambassador to Namibia, Shinichi Asazuma; the president of Cricket Namibia, Dr Rudi van Vuuren; the CEO of Cricket Namibia, Johan Muller; former minister of sport Agnes Tjongarero; and the acting director of sport Irvine Ndjavera.
Steenkamp’s speech is as follows:
Ladies and gentlemen,
Good evening and a very warm Namibian welcome to you all. If there is one thing Namibia is known for, besides our beautiful landscapes and big skies, it is our ability to make guests feel at home and tonight, the world is our guest.
It is truly a pleasure and an honour to stand before you on this momentous occasion. We gather not just to open a tournament, but to open a chapter in Namibia’s sporting story that will be remembered for generations.
Tonight marks a truly historic and defining moment for our nation as we officially welcome the world to Namibia for the ICC Men’s Under-19 Cricket World Cup.
This landmark event places Namibia firmly on the global sporting stage and represents the first Cricket World Cup ever hosted on Namibian soil, a moment that many once dreamed of and which we now proudly live. It is an achievement we carry with immense pride, gratitude, and a deep sense of responsibility.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
On behalf of the Government of the Republic of Namibia, I wish to express our sincere excitement and profound honour in hosting a global sporting event of this magnitude.
I must state that, this tournament is not only about runs, wickets and results; it is a celebration of youth potential, sporting excellence, unity and international cooperation and perhaps a few nervous coaches watching from the sidelines.
We are privileged to welcome eight outstanding cricketing nations to our country. To the defending champions, Australia; to Sri Lanka, Ireland, Afghanistan, the West Indies, Tanzania, South Africa, and Japan, we say welcome to Namibia. May you feel at home in our country, may you experience our warmth and hospitality and may the spirit of competition, friendship and respect define your time with us.
We promise great cricket, unforgettable sunsets and weather that will keep
everyone alert. May this tournament be one that stays with you long after the final ball is bowled.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Sport speaks a universal language, and in Namibia, we have chosen to listen carefully to what it tells us. Under the visionary leadership of our President, Her Excellency Dr. Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, Government has deliberately elevated sport to become the nation’s second-highest priority.
This decision reflects a deep belief that sport is not a pastime on the sidelines of national development, but a powerful force at its very centre. It is a strategic driver for youth development, national pride, social cohesion, unity, and sustainable economic opportunity.
This is why we are continuously investing in sports infrastructure, capacity
building, and international partnerships. The Namibia Cricket Ground, where matches will be played, stands as a symbol of that commitment, a world-class facility that reflects our readiness to host elite international sport and our long-term ambition to grow cricket and all sporting codes across our nation.
Although Namibia is not competing on the field in this particular tournament, this World Cup holds enormous significance for our nation. Sometimes, the greatest victories are not measured on the scoreboard. Its impact goes far beyond the boundary ropes.
It sends a powerful message to every young Namibian athlete watching from the stands, from schools, clubs and communities across the country: that the world stage is not out of reach. Hosting a World Cup at home allows our youth to see excellence up close, to dream boldly and to believe with confidence that one day they too can represent Namibia on the global stage.
Hosting this tournament also brings broader national benefits. It stimulates tourism, creates economic opportunities, showcases our country to global audiences and reinforces Namibia’s reputation as a capable, reliable and welcoming host nation.
Each visitor becomes an ambassador of their own experience here. Events of this nature strengthen our global standing and open doors for future opportunities, firmly placing Namibia on the international sporting map.
Importantly, this Under-19 Cricket World Cup is part of a much bigger journey. As we celebrate this milestone, we do so with great anticipation and confidence as we look ahead to the ICC Men’s World Cup next year, which Namibia will proudly co-host alongside Zimbabwe and South Africa. This regional partnership reflects the power of collaboration and the growing confidence of African sport on the world stage.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Sport has an extraordinary ability to unite people beyond borders, cultures and languages. Over the coming days, may this tournament be defined by fair play, respect, excellence and friendship. May it inspire greatness, foster mutual understanding, and leave a legacy that extends far beyond this competition.
May it remind us that while teams may compete, nations can still connect. May lifelong memories be created, future stars be discovered and bonds between nations be strengthened.
To our visitors: enjoy our beautiful country.
To our youth: be inspired.
And to everyone who has worked tirelessly to make this event possible from organisers and volunteers to partners and stakeholders, your dedication has turned vision into reality and for that, we thank you.
Once again, welcome to Namibia and I wish all teams the very best for a successful and memorable ICC Men’s under-19 Cricket World Cup.
I thank you.
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