The International Cricket Council (ICC) has officially unveiled the host cities and brand identity for the 2027 ODI World Cup, marking the tournament’s return to Africa for the first time in 24 years. South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Namibia will jointly host the prestigious 50-over event in October and November 2027.
The announcement was made during a launch ceremony at Johannesburg’s Inanda Polo Club, where the ICC introduced the campaign theme, “Make the Circle Bigger.” Inspired by the African philosophy of Ubuntu, the campaign reflects unity, inclusion, and community while celebrating the continent’s rich cultural heritage.
The 2027 ODI World Cup will be played across 12 venues—eight in South Africa, three in Zimbabwe, and one in Namibia. South African venues include Wanderers Stadium (Johannesburg), Centurion (Tshwane), Newlands (Cape Town), Kingsmead (Durban), St George’s Park (Gqeberha), Mangaung Oval (Bloemfontein), Boland Park (Paarl), and Buffalo Park (KuGompo City).
Zimbabwe will host matches at Harare Sports Club, Queens Sports Club in Bulawayo, and the newly built Fale Mosi-oa-Tunya International Cricket Stadium in Victoria Falls. Namibia will make history by staging World Cup matches for the first time at the Namibia Cricket Ground in Windhoek.
ICC Chairman Jay Shah described the tournament’s return to Africa as a landmark moment for world cricket, expressing confidence that the three host nations would deliver a memorable event. ICC Chief Executive Sanjog Gupta said the World Cup would not only showcase elite cricket but also celebrate Africa’s cultures and inspire future generations.
The tournament will feature 14 teams and a revamped 57-match format. A preliminary Super Series involving the teams ranked 12th to 14th will determine the final qualifier. The remaining teams will compete in two groups of six before progressing to the Super Seven stage, followed by the semi-finals and the final.
The 2027 ODI World Cup will be the first men’s Cricket World Cup jointly hosted by South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Namibia. Organisers say the event will combine world-class cricket with Southern Africa’s hospitality and cultural diversity, creating a lasting legacy for the sport across the continent.
