Cricket supporters across Africa and around the world have a reason to be thrilled. The ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2027 will be held in South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Namibia, marking the first return of the event to the continent in 24 years.
The host cities and tournament branding were unveiled at Inanda Polo Club in Johannesburg on 30 July. The 14-team competition will run in October and November 2027, with 57 matches to be played at 12 locations across the three host nations.
South Africa will stage matches at Wanderers Stadium in Johannesburg, Newlands in Cape Town, Kingsmead in Durban, and multiple additional venues. Zimbabwe’s matches will be in Harare, Bulawayo, and Victoria Falls, while Namibia will host games in Windhoek.
The 2027 tournament will use a new three-stage format aimed at increasing the competitiveness of matches leading into the semi-finals and final. Trevor Manuel, head of the Local Organising Committee Board, noted the event will go beyond just sport.
He emphasized that the World Cup will display the unique qualities of the three nations, showing what unity can accomplish. The tournament will highlight the rich cultural diversity and create a lasting legacy for the development of cricket in Africa.
ICC President Highlights Event Importance
ICC president Jay Shah described the return of the World Cup to Africa as a key milestone for the sport. He expressed confidence that the host nations will deliver a remarkable experience, reflecting the region’s spirit and hospitality.
Former South African captain and ICC Hall of Famer Graeme Smith expressed happiness at the return of the 50-over World Cup to Africa after 24 years, saying that the vibrancy of the three co-hosts, South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia, the quality of players and the fan base deserve a world event.
Smith noted that the 2027 tournament will be the 14th Men’s Cricket World Cup and the first to feature 14 teams since 2015. He compared the event to the recently-concluded FIFA World Cup 2026, which featured 48 teams and brought together many different countries in celebration of sport.
The marquee tournament will be staged across eight venues in South Africa, three in Zimbabwe, and the Namibia Cricket Ground in Windhoek. It will mark only the third occasion of the tournament being held across three host nations after 1996 and 2003.
Smith is buoyed by the 14-team format, saying it reflects the continued growth of the international game and gives more nations the opportunity to compete on cricket’s biggest stage.
South Africa last co-hosted the tournament in 2003 alongside Zimbabwe and Kenya. They will stage the 2027 tournament alongside Zimbabwe and Namibia. "It has been a long time coming since Africa or South Africa hosted a men's world cricket event again," Smith said.