Queens Sports Club

About the ground

Queens Sports Club is Bulawayo’s home of international cricket and has hosted Test matches since the 1990s. It is a compact, characterful ground close to the city centre, with a clubhouse and grass banks that give it a traditional, club-cricket feel. The ground also staged matches at the 2003 World Cup.

Bulawayo has a proud sporting tradition, and the arrival of World Cup cricket should bring a lively, home-flavoured atmosphere.

Key CWC 2027 matches

Queens Sports Club hosts two group matches, both featuring the co-hosts. Zimbabwe open their campaign here on 9 October against a qualifier, with a 10:00 local start, which should make for an emotional occasion for local supporters.

Two days later, on 11 October, Zimbabwe meet Afghanistan in a day/night game starting at 12:30 local time. Both sides have a history of tight contests, and the result could matter a great deal in Group A.

Getting there

Joshua Mqabuko Nkomo International Airport (BUQ) is about 25 km from the ground. International connections into Bulawayo are limited, so many visitors fly into Harare or Johannesburg first, or travel by road. Taxis are available from the airport; your accommodation can usually arrange a reliable transfer. The ground is close to the city centre, so it is a short taxi ride from most hotels.

Any organised shuttles or match-day transport will be confirmed nearer the tournament, so check official transport plans closer to the time.

Where to stay

Bulawayo has a selection of hotels in the city centre and guesthouses and lodges in the leafy residential areas such as Hillside. Accommodation is more limited than in Harare, so book early, particularly for the opening Zimbabwe match. Lodges near the Matobo Hills are an option if you want to combine cricket with sightseeing.

Match-day tips

October in Bulawayo is usually hot and dry, with strong sunshine, so bring a hat, sun cream and plenty of water. Evenings can cool off a little after day/night matches.

Check the official stadium rules for bag sizes and prohibited items. Cash is important in Zimbabwe: US dollars are widely used, small change can be hard to find and card acceptance varies, so carry small-denomination notes and check the latest advice before you travel. Use reputable taxis, especially at night, and follow your government’s travel advice.

Beyond the cricket

The Matobo Hills, a World Heritage Site about an hour’s drive south of the city, are famous for their dramatic granite formations, ancient rock art and rhino-tracking opportunities in Matobo National Park. The Natural History Museum of Zimbabwe in Bulawayo is also well worth a visit.