World Cup Qualifiers 2023: Harare Sports Club cleared to host matches following fire incident

Harare sports club. (Photo by David Munden/Popperfoto/Getty Images)

The Harare Sports Club in Zimbabwe has been cleared to host the remainder of the matches in the ODI World Cup Qualifiers after a fire incident took place on the night of Tuesday, June 20. Soon after the incident, the authorities ensured a swift response to check if there was any damage at the venue.

In addition to this, International Cricket Council’s (ICC) security team along with Zimbabwe Cricket made an inspection in order to figure out if the matches can be held at the Harare Sports Club. It is understood that the thatched roofing at Castle Corner, which is the typical location of the Zimbabwe Cricket Supporters Union, made up the majority of the materials that caught fire.

Fire guts Harare Sports Club

A section at the Harare Sports Club went up in flames  today. The Harare Sports Club is currently hosting the ICC World Cup cricket qualifiers. pic.twitter.com/3bDPlz74KC

— #FokusZW (@Fokus_zw) June 20, 2023

On Wednesday morning, further inspection was done to ensure safety and to provide the green light for the rest of the matches to take place. Zimbabwe Cricket released an official statement on their website regarding the issue and confirmed that the Qualifier matches at the venue will proceed as scheduled.

“Zimbabwe Cricket can confirm a fire occurred at Harare Sports Club behind the south-west grandstand at the venue last night. Prompt response from the City of Harare Fire Brigade ensured the flames were quickly doused and there was no damage caused to any of the structures on the ground. Tomorrow’s ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup Qualifier 2023 fixture at Harare Sports Club will not be affected and will proceed as scheduled,” read the release.

Harare to host Seven games along with the Final game of 2023 World Cup Qualifiers

The Harare Sports Club will host three more group matches, four fixtures in the Super Six stage followed by the summit clash of the ICC event on Sunday, July 9. Speaking about the national team, Zimbabwe have begun on the right foot as they have clinched two wins off their two games thus far. Notably, the finalists of the Qualifiers will cement the last two spots of the ODI World Cup, slated to be played in India during October-November.