The Free State Cricket Union is delighted to have been chosen as one of the hosts for the upcoming ICC Under 19 Men’s Cricket World Cup.

The ICC confirmed that Bloemfontein will play host to the Group A games of the World Cup and it will feature games between the top-ranked India, as well as Bangladesh, Ireland and the USA.

The CEO of Free State Cricket, Johan van Heerden, told OFM Sport that they are over the moon.

“We are absolutely delighted to have learnt that the Under 19 is coming to South Africa again and indeed Bloemfontein being one of the host cities,” said Van der Heerden.

“The lovely bit is that we've got the world number ones, India - they have been the top-ranked team for the last five years, so we're excited to have them here.

“Then Bangladesh is also playing in the same group. The United States will also be here and we've seen the strides they have made in international cricket, and then Ireland as well.

“We are very delighted and we can't wait. Obviously, we have done certain things right with the ODI's with England and Australia here in Bloemfontein in recent times.

“The players will be arriving in Bloemfontein on 18 January and they will be staying here for a whole month, so we are looking forward to a wonderful tournament.”

The first game at the Mangaung Oval will be on 19 January when Ireland faces the USA.

Group A Fixtures:

Friday, 19 January - Ireland vs. USA

Saturday, 20 January - Bangladesh vs. India

Monday, 22 January - Bangladesh vs. Ireland

Thursday, 25 January - India vs. Ireland

Friday, 26 January - USA vs. Bangladesh

Sunday, 28 January - India vs. USA

Tuesday, 30 January - A1 vs. D2

Wednesday, 31 January - D3 vs. A2

Friday, 2 February - A1 vs. D3

Saturday, 3 February - D2 vs. A3

Morgan Piek OFM Sport