The 2024 T20 World Cup is currently underway in the West Indies and USA, featuring a record 20 teams divided into four groups of five. However, one notable absence from the tournament is Zimbabwe, leaving fans wondering why they are not part of the showpiece event.

Unfortunately, Zimbabwe failed to qualify for the T20 World Cup after not finishing in the top two teams in the African leg of the qualifiers. Namibia and Uganda took the two qualifying spots, leaving Zimbabwe out of the tournament. This continues a dismal run for the team in World Cup qualifiers, having also missed out on the 2019 and 2023 ODI World Cups.

Zimbabwe’s absence from the T20 World Cup is not a new phenomenon. They missed the 2021 edition due to a suspension, and their previous absences in 2009 and 2021 were due to a withdrawal and suspension, respectively. However, this time, they failed to qualify outright, making it a particularly painful miss.

Zimbabwe’s skipper, Sikandar Raza, expressed the team’s disappointment, stating that the pain of not qualifying will be felt for a long time. “I think that’s something that will always be painful. Not just when we play, I think even when we retire. It’s not just pain that we’re feeling now, I think it’s something that we’re going to have to carry for a long time,” he said in an interview with Sportstar..

Raza also highlighted the team’s responsibility to their fans and the future of cricket in Zimbabwe. “We have a huge responsibility back home as well for the people and the kids that are playing this sport and the kids who want to make a career out of this sport. The future of the sport in my country is enough motivation for me to try and take away the pain.”

Despite their disappointment, Zimbabwe has upcoming assignments, including a 5-match T20I series against India starting July 6. While they may not be part of the 202