Written by Megan Taylor, sports reporter covering international sports since 2020
2027 ODI World Cup plans have taken shape, with the men’s tournament provisionally scheduled from October 4 to November 21 across South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia.
The dates were agreed at the International Cricket Council board meeting in Ahmedabad in May, with final details expected at the International Cricket Council annual general meeting in Edinburgh in July.
The latest cricket planning update follows Joe Root Interim Captain Call Explained as Rob Key Defends Harry Brook Decision, as the sport moves toward a busy global calendar. Fans can follow tournament updates through the official International Cricket Council website.
South Africa Set to Host Bulk of Matches
South Africa is expected to stage at least 41 of the 54 matches across eight venues, giving it the main hosting role.
Zimbabwe is due to host between eight and 10 games, while Namibia is expected to stage three matches as part of its first senior men’s ODI World Cup hosting role.
Zimbabwe will have three venues rather than the original two, with Victoria Falls joining Harare Sports Club and Queens Sports Club in Bulawayo.
The Fale Mosi-oa-Tunya International Cricket Stadium is due to be completed later this year and is expected to host domestic cricket before its official opening next May.
Tournament Returns to Africa
The 2027 ODI World Cup will be the first men’s 50-over World Cup in Africa since the 2003 tournament.
South Africa has since hosted the 2007 T20 World Cup, the 2009 Champions Trophy and the 2023 Women’s T20 World Cup, while Zimbabwe and Namibia recently co-hosted the Under-19 men’s World Cup.
The 2027 event will return to a 14-team format after the last two editions featured 10 teams.
Teams will be split into two groups of seven, with the top three from each group moving into the Super Six stage. South Africa and Zimbabwe qualify automatically as Full Members, while Namibia must go through qualification.
The tournament will also open the 2027-2031 Future Tours Programme, with talks continuing over the World Test Championship and whether all 12 Full Members should be included.