Zimbabwe Cricket has made a historic breakthrough in its quest to spread the game across the country, signing a 99-year lease with the City of Gweru to develop a brand-new cricket stadium in the Midlands capital.
The ambitious project, which will see a 10 446-hectare piece of land transformed into a world-class cricketing facility, is set to revolutionize the sport in Zimbabwe. The multi-purpose stadium will boast state-of-the-art amenities, including spectator stands, a VIP pavilion, a media centre, corporate boxes, and an accommodation facility.
The development comes at an exciting time for Zimbabwean cricket, as the country prepares to co-host two major global tournaments – the ICC Under-19 Men’s Cricket World Cup 2026 and the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2027. The new stadium in Gweru is expected to play a key role in these events, hosting practice matches and potentially even main matches.
Zimbabwe Cricket Managing Director Givemore Makoni hailed the agreement as a “huge milestone” for cricket development in the country. “We are taking the game to all four corners of the country, and this partnership with the City of Gweru brings us closer to achieving our strategic objective of becoming the number one sport in Zimbabwe,” he said
City of Gweru Mayor Martin Chivhoko welcomed the partnership, citing the economic benefits and cultural exchange opportunities that the stadium will bring. “As a city, we are happy to partner with Zimbabwe Cricket to grow sport in our city. This development will improve our GDP and bring visitors from around the world to Gweru,” he said.
The new stadium is expected to be a game-changer for the Midlands region, boosting tourism and economic activity in the area. With its state-of-the-art facilities and world-class cricketing action, Gweru is set to become a hub for cricket enthusiasts and sports lovers alike.
