Announcement of Host Venues

A spectacular event in Johannesburg revealed the twelve venues selected for the upcoming ICC Men's Cricket World Cup in 2027. The tournament will take place across eight cities in South Africa, three in Zimbabwe, and Windhoek, the capital of Namibia, as confirmed by the ICC.

Details of the Host Cities

In South Africa, matches will be held at the following venues: Wanderers Stadium (Johannesburg), SuperSport Park (Centurion), Newlands Cricket Ground (Cape Town), Kingsmead Cricket Ground (Durban), St George's Park (Gqeberha), Mangaung Oval (Bloemfontein), Boland Park (Paarl), and Buffalo Park (KuGompo City, formerly East London).

Zimbabwe will host games at Harare Sports Club (Harare), Queens Sports Club (Bulawayo), and Fale Mosi-oa-Tunya International Cricket Stadium (Victoria Falls). Namibia's capital, Windhoek, will feature matches at the Namibia Cricket Ground.

A Historic Return to Africa

The 2027 ICC Men's Cricket World Cup marks the tournament's return to Africa after a 24-year hiatus. The last time the continent hosted the event was in 2003, when South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Kenya collaborated as co-hosts.

This edition will showcase the top 14 cricket teams globally, under the theme 'Three Nations, One Heartbeat', which emphasizes the unity, diversity, and community spirit of the three host countries. The tournament aims to embody the African philosophy of 'Ubuntu', which translates to 'I am, because we are', promoting compassion and connection among people.

Insights from ICC Leadership

ICC Chairman Jay Shah expressed that the announcement of the host cities and the tournament's branding is a significant milestone for the 2027 Men's Cricket World Cup. He emphasized the excitement surrounding the event's return to Africa and expressed confidence in the ability of South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Namibia to deliver an unforgettable experience.

"This is a thrilling milestone on the journey to the ICC Men's Cricket World Cup 2027. The unveiling of the host cities and the tournament brand marks the beginning of a journey that will unite fans globally and build anticipation for one of cricket's most significant events," Shah stated.

Celebrating African Culture

ICC CEO Sanjog Gupta highlighted that the 2027 Men's Cricket World Cup will celebrate the return of cricket's premier limited-overs event to Africa, showcasing the continent's rich cultures and passionate fans. He noted that the tournament's branding reflects the event's energy and ambition, inspiring new generations of cricket enthusiasts worldwide.

"The ICC Men's Cricket World Cup symbolizes the legacy and spectacle of Limited Overs Cricket. It also signifies the return of this prestigious event to Africa after more than two decades, celebrating a continent characterized by extraordinary people and vibrant cultures," Gupta added.

Visual Identity and Tournament Format

The unveiling ceremony featured South African cricket legends such as Graeme Smith, Makhaya Ntini, Hashim Amla, Temba Bavuma, and Kagiso Rabada, along with Zimbabwe's Hamilton Masakadza and Namibia's Rudolf Jansen van Vuuren.

The tournament's visual identity is inspired by the African wire bowl, featuring a vibrant color palette that includes shades like Zimbabwe Chilli, African Root, Fynbos Pop, Namib Dune, Harare Dawn, and Two Oceans.

The 2027 ICC Men's Cricket World Cup will consist of 57 matches and introduce a new three-stage format designed to enhance competitiveness and provide a more engaging experience for fans.

New Tournament Format Explained

The tournament will kick off with a Super Series involving the three lowest-ranked teams (12th to 14th), competing in a round-robin format. The winner will progress to the next stage.

The subsequent round will feature 12 teams divided into two groups of six, with each team playing a round-robin schedule. The top three teams from each group, along with the best fourth-placed team, will qualify for the Super 7 stage.

The Super 7 phase will consist of 21 round-robin matches, leading to the semi-finals where the top four teams will compete for a place in the final.