Sports

South Africa set to stage the majority of 2027 Cricket World Cup matches

It will be first men’s ICC World Cup in Africa since 2003, hosted in South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Kenya

By AFP

August 22, 2025

South Africas Keshav Maharaj (left) celebrates victory with Lungi Ngidi after the dismissal of Australias Adam Zampa during the first one-day international (ODI) cricket match between Australia and South Africa at Cazalys Stadium in Cairns on August 19, 2025. — AFP — South Africa's Keshav Maharaj (left) celebrates victory with Lungi Ngidi after the dismissal of Australia's Adam Zampa during the first one-day international (ODI) cricket match between Australia and South Africa at Cazaly's Stadium in Cairns on August 19, 2025. — AFP

JOHANNESBURG: Cricket South Africa has said that it would host 44 of the 54 matches of the upcoming 50-over Cricket World Cup at eight venues in 2027.

The country's cricket board on Thursday announced a local organising committee to oversee the arrangements for the upcoming mega event.

The remaining 10 matches will be played in Zimbabwe and Namibia.

It will be the first men’s Cricket World Cup in Africa since the 2003 tournament, which was held in South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Kenya.

South Africa has hosted two Women’s World Cups since then — the 2005 50-over World Cup and the 2023 T20 World Cup, when the Proteas lost to Australia in the final.

Former South African finance minister Trevor Manuel will head the local organising committee.

In a statement, CSA said matches in South Africa will be played in Johannesburg, Pretoria, Cape Town, Durban, Gqeberha, Bloemfontein, East London and Paarl.

CSA chairperson Pearl Maphoshe said: "CSA’s vision is to stage a global, inspiring event which will reflect the face of South Africa — diverse, inclusive, and united."