In a major boost for youth advocacy and sports in Zimbabwe, legendary former captain Andy Flower has officially signed on as an ambassador for the Street Child Cricket World Cup (SCCWC) 2027.
The announcement came as Bulawayo is preparing to host the third edition of this global movement, which uses the power of cricket to provide a platform for street-connected children.
The partnership was solidified this week in Bulawayo, where Flower is currently lending his expert voice as a commentator for the ICC Under-19 Cricket World Cup 2026.
During a meeting with Bulawayo mayor David Coltart, the cricket icon pledged his support to the initiative, which aims to give a voice to vulnerable youth worldwide.
Coltart took to social media to celebrate the agreement, highlighting the significance of having a figure of Flower's stature involved.
"Today I had the great pleasure of meeting Zimbabwean cricket legend Andy Flower... Andy has agreed to be one of the Ambassadors for the forthcoming Street Children Cricket World Cup which will be held in Bulawayo in 2027," Coltart shared.
The mayor emphasised that the discussion focused on the practicalities of making the event a success.
"We discussed how we can publicise this event and mobilise sponsors and funding generally for it. It is a great honour that Bulawayo has been awarded the right to host this event and I am grateful that Andy is prepared to use his considerable international profile, particularly in the UK and India, to raise awareness around, and promote, the SCCWC."
Flower’s resume is peerless. As a player, he represented Zimbabwe in 63 Tests and 213 ODIs, amassing over 11 000 international runs.
His transition to coaching was equally stellar; he led the England national team to a 2010 ICC World Twenty20 title and currently holds high-profile roles with Trent Rockets in The Hundred and Royal Challengers Bangalore in the IPL.
This global influence is exactly what the SCCWC needs. Next week, the organising team will arrive in Bulawayo to begin meetings with local business leaders and school heads to kickstart the two-year countdown.
The 2027 tournament will feature 20 mixed-gender teams from across the globe. While the "Street20" format—a fast-paced version of the game—is the focal point, the event also includes an arts festival and a youth-led Congress. The goal is simple but profound: to let these children tell the world, #IamSomebody.
Street Child United CEO John Wroe expressed his excitement about the Zimbabwean host city when the announcement was made in May last year.
“Bulawayo has the spirit, culture and heart to host something truly special,” Wroe said.
“Every child deserves to be respected, protected, and given the opportunity to thrive.”
The SCCWC 2027 will serve as a lead-in to the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup, also hosted in the region.
For Team Zimbabwe, who narrowly lost to Uganda in the 2023 final in Chennai, the 2027 event is a chance for redemption on home soil — supported by the legendary Andy Flower.