Tatenda Taibu named ambassador for ICC U19 World Cup 2026

Tatenda Taibu, former Zimbabwe captain and 2002 U19 World Cup Player of the Tournament, has been named ambassador for the 2026 ICC U19 Men’s Cricket World Cup in Zimbabwe and Namibia. He hopes young players create lasting memories while showcasing their talent

Hyderabad: The ICC U19 Men’s Cricket World Cup provides a platform for the next generation to announce themselves to the world, and few know that better than Tatenda Taibu.

The former Zimbabwe player was named Player of the Tournament at the 2002 edition in New Zealand before embarking on an impressive senior career that included 150 ODI caps for his country.

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With the 2026 edition taking place in Zimbabwe and Namibia, Taibu has been announced as the tournament ambassador and hopes the current crop of talented youngsters enjoy the same memories he experienced more than 20 years ago.

“As soon as I got the call, my mind raced back to when I was U19 myself and it feels nice to be a part of that again,” he told ICC Media.

“Being Player of the Tournament will always stick in my mind for the rest of my life. I’ve been involved in two ICC U19 World Cups myself, in 2000 in Sri Lanka and in 2002 in New Zealand, where I was named Player of the Tournament.

“There is a bit of pressure, you are playing for your country and you want to do well. Everyone will be trying to use this as a trampoline to jump into professional cricket.

“However, they must not forget to enjoy the game. You play well when you enjoy cricket. When you put yourself under pressure, it might go a bit south.

“It’s the memories that we remember. Yes, the numbers will always be there but it is the memories that go a long way. When I look back at my U19 time, it is the memories and the people that I hold onto.”

Taibu produced a set of standout performances back in 2002, despite Zimbabwe failing to make it beyond the group stage.

He took three wickets in their victory over Namibia before impressing with bat and ball as Zimbabwe bounced back to win the plate competition in emphatic style.

Taibu had already made his first-class debut aged 16 and his senior international debut at 18 but later stepped up to become the then youngest Test captain in history aged 20 in 2004.

He retired aged 29 but remains in the game as head coach of Papua New Guinea. He currently lives in the UK, meaning he can’t wait to return to his home country while the tournament takes place over January and February.

“Being back home will feel good. I am looking forward to seeing how Zimbabwe cricket is doing and where it is from the grassroots all the way to the elite.

“I can’t wait to watch all the players from the different countries playing in Zimbabwe and experiencing the lovely warmth of Africa.

“There is no doubt that there are going to be large crowds, especially in Harare. Bulawayo doesn’t have as big crowds but sometimes they are actually the loudest.

“The love for the game has got better over the years in Zimbabwe.”