"Loss-making tournament" - Sourav Ganguly throws light on why India doesn't host U19 World Cups

While India would be playing the fifth straight and overall 9th final of the U19 Men’s ODI World Cup, former Indian captain Sourav Ganguly believes that it is a loss-making tournament.

India are the most successful team in the tournament and have won a total of five editions, they are yet to host the competition. Ganguly believes that the U19 World Cups take place in those corners of the world that do not host senior men’s tournaments most often.

Sourav Ganguly believes that these tournaments are held in different corners of the world to promote cricket and spread the game. Speaking to RevSportz, Ganguly said, “There is no particular reason to it (India not hosting the U-19 World Cup). The other World Cups are played in India. What’s wrong if this one is played in places where the senior World Cups don’t take place that often? It’s one way of taking the game to other countries.”

Sourav Ganguly gives his prediction for India to host the U19 World Cup

Sourav Ganguly also mentioned that any tournament which doesn’t include any senior men’s teams will be non-profit. However, he stated that it is not the reason that the competition is not held in India and it might take place here next time. He said, “You can say it’s a loss-making tournament. Most World Cups not featuring the senior men’s teams are non-profit. But that’s not the reason the U-19 World Cup hasn’t been played in India. And I think it’s going to be held in India.”

Associate nations such as Malaysia and United Arab Emirates have already hosted the U19 ODI World Cup whereas the next edition of the tournament will be co-hosted by Zimbabwe and Namibia.

The Indian team led by Uday Saharan is all set to play against Australia in the summit clash on February 11 in Benoni. India have played against Australia in the finals of the tournament twice and have beaten them on both occasions. The last time both teams played in the final of the tournament was in 2018 when Prithvi Shaw led India were able to lift the title.

India have been brilliant in the whole U19 World Cup 2024 and are yet to lose a match. India got home by two wickets in the semi-final against South Africa by 2 wickets courtesy of match-winning knocks by captain Uday Saharan and batsman Sachin Dhas. On the other hand, Australia also defeated Pakistan by 1 wicket and won a close affair against the ‘boys in green.’

The U19 World Cup has given many big names to international cricket including the likes of Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, Babar Azam, Steve Smith, Kane Williamson, Trent Boult, Shubman Gill, and Yashasvi Jaiswal.

India are the most successful side in the history of the tournament and have won a total of five titles. Australia stand second on the list have 3 U19 World Cups to their name. Pakistan have been able to add their name to the winners list on two occasions, whereas Bangladesh, South Africa, West Indies, and England have lifted the trophy once.