ICC ODI World Cup 2027: South Africa to host 44 matches, Zimbabwe and Namibia 10; CSA confirms eight venues

Cricket South Africa (CSA) has unveiled the roadmap for the 2027 ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup, confirming that 44 matches will be played across eight South African cities, while a further 10 matches will be staged in Zimbabwe and Namibia. The announcement came alongside the formation of the tournament’s Local Organising Committee Board (LOCB), led by former South African cabinet minister Trevor Manuel as Independent Chairman.Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE NOW!The South African host cities — Johannesburg, Pretoria, Cape Town, Durban, Gqeberha, Bloemfontein, East London, and Paarl — will form the core of the tournament, with CSA stressing the importance of delivering “a bold and unifying event.” Zimbabwe and Namibia, co-hosts for the event, will also play a central role, further embedding the tournament across the southern African region.CSA President Rihan Richards said the return of the World Cup to the continent after more than two decades carried special significance. “Twenty-four years have passed since the last ICC CWC tournament took place on African soil. This makes the 2027 CWC a sought-after opportunity to create a unique platform for attracting new fans while engaging existing fans through digital innovation, connecting with the African continent, and the world,” Richards noted.LOCB chair Trevor Manuel brings years of government and economic leadership to the role, with CSA emphasizing his ability to ensure discipline and strategy in governance. Pearl Maphoshe, Chairperson of the CSA Board, underscored the broader vision: “CSA’s vision is to stage a global, inspiring event which will reflect the face of South Africa—diverse, inclusive, and united. The tournament will be vibrantly different in its style and atmosphere, and its experiences. It will provide players, fans and partners with the most unique, unforgettable experience.”CSA reiterated that the 2027 World Cup is not only about cricketing excellence but also about expanding the game’s reach. By taking matches to Zimbabwe and Namibia and spreading fixtures across traditional and non-traditional South African venues, CSA hopes to showcase both the continent’s cricketing depth and its cultural richness.