The International Cricket Council (ICC) on Monday (December 11) announced the revised schedule for the ICC U19 Men’s Cricket World Cup 2024, slated to take place in South Africa.

The competition, which was originally scheduled to be held in Sri Lanka, was shifted to South Africa following ICC’s decision to suspend the Island nation in November.

South Africa will take on the West Indies in the tournament opener on January 19 in Bloemfontein, while the final will be played in Benoni on February 11.

Five-time champions India will begin their campaign against Bangladesh in Bloemfontein on January 20.

The apex body has granted 41 matches to five venues and they are –Mangaung Oval in Bloemfontein, Buffalo Park in East London, Kimberley Oval in Kimberley, JB Marks Oval in Potchefstroom and Willowmoore Park in Benoni.

India, the winner of the last edition of the ICC U19 Men’s Cricket World Cup, are slotted in Group A along with Bangladesh, Ireland and the USA. Group B consists of England, South Africa, West Indies and Scotland.

Group C features Australia, Sri Lanka, Zimbabwe and Namibia while Group D is made up of Afghanistan, Pakistan, New Zealand and Nepal.

The top three sides from each group will progress to the Super Six phase of the event ahead of the semi-finals and final.

“In the past 12 months we have seen South Africa successfully deliver two milestone events for the sport - the inaugural ICC U19 Women’s T20 World Cup last year, and the groundbreaking ICC Women’s T20 World Cup that immediately followed," ICC Head of Events Chris Tetley said in a statement.

“The relocation of the U19 Men’s Cricket World Cup 2024 to South Africa allows us the opportunity to build on this momentum and welcome the best young cricketers on the planet to five notable international venues."

(With ICC Inputs)