South Africa to host 44 matches of ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2027

Cricket South Africa (CSA) has confirmed that 44 of the 54 matches at the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2027 will take place at eight venues in South Africa, while the other ten matches will be played in Zimbabwe and Namibia, who are co-hosts of the event. The confirmation came during the announcement of the Local Organising Committee (LOC) on Thursday, which included the selection of a former finance minister, Trevor Manuel, to chair a committee as an independent chairperson in the preparations for the global event. This will be the first ICC men's event in South Africa since the 2009 Champions Trophy and is the first time that the 50-over World Cup is played on African soil since 2003.

Shortlisted Locations in South Africa

The eight venues chosen by CSA blend traditional cricketing venues with iconic locations that have hosted historic matches:

• Johannesburg
• Pretoria
• Cape Town
• Durban
• Gqeberha
• Bloemfontein
• East London
• Paarl

A Historic Return of the World Cup to Africa

The 2027 edition marks 24 years since the last Men's ODI World Cup held in South Africa. The CSA chairperson, Pearl Maphoshe, said it was an opportunity to showcase the country's and the continent's diverse reality. 
"CSA's vision is to deliver a global, inspiring event which is a reflection of the face of South Africa - diverse, inclusive and united."

CSA president Rihan Richards said the tournament will also offer a once-in-a-million experience to expand the fans to reach new fans and deepen cricket's footprint across Africa.

"This makes the 2027 CWC a once-in-a-lifetime event to create a unique quad for expanding our global footprint, as well as engaging existing fans through digital innovation, while connecting with the African continent and the rest of the world."

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Local Organising Committee (LOC)

The LOC for the World Cup will consist of independent and non-independent directors, ministry representatives, and CSA representatives.

Independent Chair

• Trevor Manuel

CSA Members Council and Board Appointments

• Johannes Adams - President of Western Province
• Yunus Bobat - President of KwaZulu-Natal
• Vuyani Jarana - CSA Board Member

Ministry Appointments

• Advocate Philip October
• Unathi Matthew Tshotwana

Independent Directors

• Herman Bosman
• Nomfanelo Magwentshu
• Dr Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka
• Ravi Naidoo
• Dr Stavros Nicolaou
• Advocate Karrisha Pillay SC

CSA Staff

• Pholetsi Moseki – CSA CEO
• Refentse Shinners – CSA Public Affairs Executive
• Tjaart van der Walt – CSA COO

Past ICC Events in South Africa

South Africa has a great past hosting ICC events:

• 2003 Men's ODI World Cup (co-hosted with Zimbabwe and Kenya)
• 2007 inaugural Men's T20 World Cup
• 2009 Champions Trophy
• 2005 Women's ODI World Cup
• 2023 Women's T20 World Cup (where the Proteas made it to a final for the first time.)

The 2027 World Cup will take place with 44 matches across South Africa and 10 matches across Zimbabwe and Namibia, which should provide a truly pan-African cricketing celebration that's as diverse as the continent and as colourful.