The International Cricket Council (ICC) has officially unveiled the 12 venues for ODI World Cup 2027, confirming the cities across South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia.
The tournament is set to return to Africa for the first time in 24 years, marking a historic moment for the global cricket event.
The announcement was made during a grand ceremony in Johannesburg, where the ICC also revealed the tournament’s official brand identity.
‘Three Nations, One Heartbeat’ symbolises the shared spirit of optimism, diversity and unity among the three co-hosts.
The 14th edition of the World Cup will feature 57 matches and 14 teams, with eight cities in South Africa, three in Zimbabwe, and Namibia’s capital, Windhoek, selected as host venues.
The tournament marks Africa’s first Men’s ODI World Cup since the 2003 edition, which was jointly hosted by South Africa, Zimbabwe and Kenya.
The ICC Chairman Jay Shah described the venue announcement as a major milestone on the road to the global tournament.
“The return of this prestigious tournament to Africa after 24 years is a landmark moment for cricket,” said ICC Chairman Jay Shah.
“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,” added Jay Shah.
In South Africa, eight cities will stage the bulk of the 57 matches scheduled for October and November – Kugompo City, Cape Town, Johannesburg, Tshwanne, Gqeberha, Bloemfontein, Durban and Paarl.
Meanwhile, in Zimbabwe, Harare, Bulawayo and Victoria Falls will be hosting the games, while Windhoek is the selected venue in Zimbabwe.
The ICC is yet to share the exact schedule of matches. The tournament’s three lowest-ranked teams will contest the super over, with the winners progressing to the next stage.
The next stage will feature 12 teams, which will be split into two groups, with the top three sides in each group, along with the next best-placed team, advancing to the Super 7 stage.
Following 21 round-robin matches, the top four teams will qualify for the semi-finals.
ICC Chief Executive Sanjog Gupta added that the event will be celebrating a continent defined by extraordinary people, vibrant cultures and a deep love for sport.
“The ICC men’s cricket World Cup represents the legacy and spectacle of limited-overs cricket,” said ICC chief executive Sanjog Gupta.
“It also marks the return of the pinnacle event to Africa after more than two decades and will celebrate a continent defined by extraordinary people, vibrant cultures, breathtaking experiences and deep love for sport,” concluded Sanjog Gupta.
