The return of the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup to Africa in 2027 represents more than the hosting of another global tournament—it is an opportunity to showcase the region’s cricketing strength, expand the game’s international footprint and reconnect one of the sport’s most historic competitions with a continent that has waited more than two decades to welcome it back.
That was the message from former South Africa Captain and ICC Hall of Famer Graeme Smith as South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia unveiled the 12 venues that will stage the 2027 tournament.
A landmark moment for African cricket
Reflecting on the significance of the event, Smith said at the 2027 ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup venue unveiling in Johannesburg: “It’s been a long time coming since Africa or South Africa hosted a men’s world cricket event again.”
He added: “I think the vibrancy of these three nations, the quality of players, the fan base certainly deserves a world event in the game, so it’s great to have it back.”
South Africa last hosted the men’s 50-over World Cup in 2003 alongside Zimbabwe and Kenya. The 2027 edition will see South Africa once again share hosting duties with Zimbabwe, while Namibia joins as a World Cup host for the first time.
Expanded tournament creates new opportunities
The 2027 competition will also mark the return of a 14-team format after the previous two editions featured only 10 teams, broadening participation across the international game.
Drawing comparisons with football’s biggest global event, Smith said: “We’ve just come off a football World Cup where you’ve seen a massive amount of nations compete and the cultures and the coming together of many different countries getting behind their teams.”
He continued: “It’s amazing. With 14 teams now, you hope that many people decide to come and travel to South Africa and be a part of the event.”
Looking at the tournament’s place within world sport, Smith added: “I think from a world sporting event perspective, most World Cups happen every four-year cycle.”
He also emphasised the status the 50-over World Cup continues to hold within cricket, saying: “It’s seen as the event to win. It’s obviously got a lot more tradition, a lot more stature.”
Smith further noted: “I think still when you get to this ODI World Cup it’s going to be intense, the fandom is going to be great. I think it’s the one that everyone wants to get their hands on.”
World Cup seen as catalyst for growth
Beyond the tournament itself, Smith believes expanding the competition can accelerate the development of international cricket by giving more teams the chance to compete on the sport’s biggest stage.
He said: “I think you’ve seen the fan base and the teams coming through. I think that’s improved dramatically over the last few years. I think we want to see cricket grow.”
The 2027 ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup will be staged across 12 venues, with eight in South Africa, three in Zimbabwe and one in Namibia. It will be only the third time the tournament has been co-hosted by three nations, while also marking the first 50-over World Cup to be played in Africa since the 2003 edition.
