Africa to host 2027 Men’s Cricket World Cup across 12 venues with new format
Host Nations and Venues Revealed
The ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2027 will be hosted across South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Namibia, with 12 venues officially announced. A ceremony in Johannesburg unveiled eight cities in South Africa, three in Zimbabwe, and Namibia’s capital, Windhoek, as co-hosts for the tournament. This marks the return of the marquee 50-over competition to Africa after 24 years, following the 2003 edition co-hosted by South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Kenya.
The host venues in South Africa include:
- Wanderers Stadium (Johannesburg)
- Centurion (Tshwane)
- Newlands Cricket Ground (Cape Town)
- Kingsmead Cricket Ground (Durban)
- St George’s Park (Gqeberha)
- Mangaung Oval (Bloemfontein)
- Boland Park (Paarl)
- Buffalo Park (KuGompo City, formerly known as East London)
Zimbabwe’s venues are:
- Harare Sports Club (Harare)
- Queens Sports Club (Bulawayo)
- Fale Mosi-oa-Tunya International Cricket Stadium (Victoria Falls)
Namibia will host matches at the Namibia Cricket Ground in Windhoek.
New Tournament Format and Brand Identity
The ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2027 will feature a new three-stage format comprising 57 matches, designed to enhance competitiveness and the fan experience. The tournament will begin with a Super Series, where three teams will play in a round-robin format, with the winning team advancing to the next stage.
Following this, a 30-match round will involve 12 teams divided into two groups of six, playing in a round-robin format. The top three teams from each group, along with another best-placed team from both groups, will progress to the Super 7 stage.
The Super 7 stage will consist of 21 round-robin matches, with the top four teams moving on to the semi-finals. In the semi-finals, the team that finishes first in the Super 7 will play the fourth-placed side, while the second-placed team will face the third-placed side.
The tournament’s brand, ‘Three Nations, One Heartbeat’, unites the three host countries under a spirit of optimism, diversity, and community. This philosophy aligns with the African message of ‘Ubuntu’, emphasizing compassion, kindness, and connection. The visual identity of the tournament is inspired by the African wire bowl, incorporating colours such as Zimbabwe Chilli, African Root, Fynbos pop, Namib Dune, Harare Dawn, and Two Oceans.
Significance and Legacy
ICC Chairman Jay Shah noted that the unveiling of host cities and the tournament brand marks a significant milestone towards the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2027. He expressed confidence that South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Namibia will deliver an unforgettable event, highlighting the region’s warmth, passion, and diversity.
ICC CEO Sanjog Gupta added that the event represents the legacy of Limited Overs Cricket and celebrates a continent known for its vibrant cultures and deep love for sport. The brand reflects the energy and spirit of the event, with each host city offering a unique experience for fans. This event is expected to hold regional and global significance, fostering the growth of the game and inspiring new generations of fans.
Cricket icons such as Graeme Smith, Makhaya Ntini, Hashim Amla, Temba Bavuma, and Kagiso Rabada from South Africa, along with Zimbabwe’s Hamilton Masakadza and Namibia’s Rudolf Jansen van Vuuren, were present at the announcement. While South Africa and Zimbabwe co-hosted the 2003 Men’s Cricket World Cup, Namibia will host its maiden senior ICC tournament.
Fans can register their interest to receive updates on ticket sales and other information for the tournament.
Source: icc-cricket.com
