Zimbabwe gets World Cup nod of approval

Members of the 2003 Cricket World Cup management team based in Johannesburg have completed a highly successful fact-finding and goodwill visit to Zimbabwe.

The delegation, led by 2003 CWC executive director Dr Ali Bacher, were joined on their six-day tour by representatives of South African companies who have been selected as official suppliers to the tournament in February and March of 2003.

Zimbabwe will in all probability stage six World Cup games - three at the Harare Sports Club ground and three at the Queens ground in Bulawayo.

According to Dr Bacher, the South African delegation came away confident that the Zimbabwe venues, with upgrading in certain areas, are capable of meeting the requirements to stage games that are likely to feature such countries as Australia, Pakistan and India.

The tournament, exactly 19 months away, will also provide a unique opportunity for Zimbabwe to take cricket into all its communities.

The official suppliers named so far to the 2003 Cricket World Cup are Southern Sun Hotels, Netcare 911, Afrox Healthcare, Rennies Travel, Connex Travel and Bellingham Wines.