Cricket South Africa has formally announced the venues for the 2027 ICC ODI World Cup, and it was confirmed that the tournament would be held in South Africa, Namibia, and Zimbabwe. The historic 14th edition of the tournament will be held in October and November 2027.
Of the 54 scheduled games, South Africa will host 44 games in its main cricketing centers. All matches will be staged in Johannesburg, Pretoria, Cape Town, Durban, Gqeberha, Bloemfontein, East London, and Paarl to ensure broad national participation.
The other 10 matches will be shared between Namibia and Zimbabwe. It's the first time Namibia will host World Cup matches, while South Africa and Zimbabwe co-hosted for the last time in 2003.
The launch was followed by the unveiling of the Local Organising Committee Board (LOCA) with Trevor Manuel as Independent Chairman, a veteran of the former South African cabinet.
"CSA's aim is to host a global, uplifting event that will project the face of South Africa—diverse, inclusive, and united," said CSA Board Chairperson Pearl Maphoshe.
She also stated, "The tournament will be radiantly different in its style and environment, and its experiences. It will offer players, spectators and sponsors the most distinctive, unforgettable experience."
Maphoshe also ensured that CSA has complete faith in the appointed LOCA to create a "seamless and impactful event."
The 2027 tournament will have a two-group format, where seven nations in each group will compete. The first three teams from each group will move on to the Super Six phase, a format last experienced during the 2003 World Cup.
As co-hosts, South Africa and Zimbabwe qualify automatically. The top eight teams in ICC ODI rankings on March 31, 2027, will also gain direct qualification. Namibia, being a co-host, will have to qualify through the regular ICC route since they are not a full member country.
The 2027 ODI World Cup will witness Australia defending their title following their success in the 2023 final against India at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. As Namibia becomes a first-time host and the Super Six format returns, the new edition is set to usher in history and innovation to the game.
