Zimbabwe’s “Brass Band” and “Castle Corner” supporters—the rhythmic heartbeat of the 2026 T20 World Cup group stages—have issued an urgent appeal for financial sponsorship as the tournament shifts to India for the Super 8s.
After pulling off massive upsets against Australia and Sri Lanka in Colombo, Zimbabwe finished top of Group B. However, most fans had only budgeted for the group stage in Sri Lanka. With the team now scheduled to play high-stakes matches in Mumbai, Chennai, and Delhi, the fan army faces a logistical and financial hurdle to cross the Palk Strait.
“Ferry Our Boys”: The Appeal to Businesses
Paul Mungofa, leader of the fan group Brass Band, has called on Zimbabwean businesses to treat cricket with the same fervor as football.
“I urge local businessmen to support our team, just like they do for football. Let us ferry prominent supporters to the games and create an electrifying environment for our boys,” Mungofa told NewsDay. “Our supporters can make a huge difference—let’s make some noise and bring it home.”
Captain Sikandar Raza also acknowledged the fans’ sacrifices, noting that many have traveled thousands of miles entirely out of their own pockets. “We are grateful for their passion,” Raza said. “Whichever corner they are sitting in, they are the loudest.”
Zimbabwe’s Super 8 Schedule in India
The “Chevrons” have been slotted into Group 1 alongside heavyweights India, South Africa, and the West Indies.
| Date | Opponent | Venue | Time (IST) |
| Feb 23 (Monday) | West Indies | Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai | 7:00 PM |
| Feb 26 (Thursday) | India | M.A. Chidambaram, Chennai | 7:00 PM |
| March 1 (Sunday) | South Africa | Arun Jaitley Stadium, Delhi | 3:00 PM |
A Historic Run
Zimbabwe’s qualification for the Super 8s is a major milestone, marking their first progression beyond the group stage in seven attempts. Their unbeaten run in Group B—which included a 23-run victory over Australia—has made them the “underdog favorites” of the 2026 edition. Supporters hope that with enough financial backing, they can ensure a “pocket of Harare” exists in every Indian stadium to cheer the team toward a potential semifinal berth.