The International Cricket Council has confirmed 12 venues for the 2027 Men’s Cricket World Cup in South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia. The 50-over tournament will run in October and November 2027. It returns to Africa after 24 years, bringing together the world’s top 14 teams for 57 matches. Twelve Venues Across Three Countries South Africa will use Wanderers Stadium in Johannesburg, Centurion in Tshwane, Newlands in Cape Town and Kingsmead in Durban. Its other venues are St George’s Park in Gqeberha, Mangaung Oval in Bloemfontein, Boland Park in Paarl and Buffalo Park in KuGompo City, formerly East London. Zimbabwe will host matches at Harare Sports Club, Queens Sports Club in Bulawayo and the new Fale Mosi-oa-Tunya International Cricket Stadium in Victoria Falls. Namibia Cricket Ground in Windhoek completes the list. Fans can register for ticket-sale information and other tournament updates. Read More: ICC Unveils New World Cup Formats. Here’s What Will Change “This marks an exciting milestone on the road to the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2027,” ICC Chairman Jay Shah said. “The unveiling of the host cities and the tournament brand signals the beginning of a journey that will unite fans around the world and build anticipation for one of our sport’s biggest global events. “The return of this prestigious tournament to Africa after 24 years is a landmark moment for cricket. We are confident that South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia will deliver an unforgettable event, showcasing the warmth, passion and rich diversity that make this region truly unique.” Brand Celebrates African Identity The theme “Three Nations, One Heartbeat” embraces Ubuntu, meaning “I am because we are.” The “Make the Circle Bigger” campaign reflects unity, 29 officially recognised languages and a shared passion for cricket. A traditional African wire bowl inspired the visual identity. Its palette includes Zimbabwe Chilli, African Root, Fynbos Pop, Namib Dune, Harare Dawn and Two Oceans. Destiny awaits across South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia at #CWC27 🤩 pic.twitter.com/lPjnozfZiT — ICC (@ICC) July 30, 2026 “The vibrant brand unveiled today reflects the energy, ambition and spirit of the event, while every host city offers fans a unique opportunity to experience the warmth and diversity that make Africa truly memorable,” ICC Chief Executive Sanjog Gupta said. He said the World Cup would help grow cricket and inspire future generations across the region. Graeme Smith, Makhaya Ntini, Hashim Amla, Temba Bavuma, Kagiso Rabada, Hamilton Masakadza and Rudolf Jansen van Vuuren attended the launch. New Three-Stage Format A Super Series involving teams ranked 12th to 14th will determine the final side entering the main round. The remaining 12 teams will play 30 matches in two groups of six. The top three from each group and the next best side will enter a 21-match Super Seven. The leading four will reach the semi-finals. First will face fourth, while second will play third. Read More: South Africa Stars Accuse ICC of Unfair Treatment During T20 World Cup South Africa, Zimbabwe and Kenya hosted the 2003 World Cup. South Africa later staged major ICC tournaments in 2007, 2020, 2023 and 2024. Namibia will now host its first senior ICC global tournament. It staged this year’s Under-19 World Cup with Zimbabwe.
New Stadium, Bigger Tournament: ODI World Cup 2027 Takes Shape
The International Cricket Council (ICC) has provisionally scheduled the 2027 Men’s ODI World Cup from October 4 to November 21, marking the return of cricket’s flagship 50-over event to Africa for the first time in nearly a quarter century. According to details discussed at the ICC Board meeting in Ahmedabad in May, the tournament will take place across South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia. The governing body is expected to formally approve the schedule and operational details at its Annual General Meeting in Edinburgh in July. The event will feature 14 teams and 54 matches, restoring the larger format last used before the previous two editions were reduced to 10 teams. South Africa is expected to host the majority of the tournament. Cricket officials anticipate at least 41 matches will take place across eight South African venues. Zimbabwe will likely stage between eight and 10 matches. The country will use three venues instead of the originally planned two. Alongside Harare Sports Club and Queens Sports Club in Bulawayo, Victoria Falls will also host matches. Namibia is expected to host three games. A major addition to Zimbabwe’s preparations is the new Fale Mosi-oa-Tunya International Cricket Stadium in Victoria Falls. Construction is nearing completion and officials expect the venue to host domestic cricket later this year before its formal inauguration in May 2027. South Africa had initially explored plans to open the stadium with an international fixture in August 2026, but organisers have postponed those discussions. Africa Hosts ODI World Cup for First Time Since 2003 The 2027 edition will become the first ODI World Cup held in Africa since the 2003 tournament, which South Africa, Zimbabwe and Kenya jointly hosted. Since then, South Africa has organised several major ICC events, including the 2007 ICC World Twenty20, the 2009 ICC Champions Trophy and the 2023 ICC Women’s T20 World Cup. Zimbabwe and Namibia also successfully co-hosted the ICC Under-19 Men’s Cricket World Cup in 2026. The tournament format will feature two groups of seven teams. The top three sides from each group will progress to the Super Six stage before the knockout rounds. As Full Members of the ICC, South Africa and Zimbabwe qualify automatically. Namibia must secure qualification through the ICC pathway. Wider ICC Decisions Still Await Approval The World Cup will also launch the ICC’s 2027-2031 Future Tours Programme (FTP), which governs bilateral international cricket schedules. Cricket administrators continue to discuss several major issues linked to the new FTP cycle. One key topic is the future structure of the World Test Championship (WTC). ICC officials are considering expanding the competition to include all 12 Full Member nations. Currently, Zimbabwe, Ireland and Afghanistan do not participate in the WTC. Officials are also debating whether standalone Test matches should count toward WTC standings. Sources indicate the ICC could take a final decision on both matters during the Edinburgh AGM. Once members approve the framework, officials will finalise the full FTP schedule later this year. For now, attention turns to the 2027 ODI World Cup, a tournament that promises to bring cricket’s biggest prize back to African soil and showcase the sport across three nations with growing ambitions on the global stage.
