The International Cricket Council (ICC) has officially announced the dates for the ODI Cricket World Cup 2027, set to run from October 4 to November 21,
2027.
This marks the first return of the 50-over showpiece to African soil since the 2003 edition. The announcement, confirmed following an ICC board meeting in Ahmedabad in May 2026, has generated huge excitement among cricket fans worldwide.
South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Namibia will co-host the expanded 14-team tournament, which will feature a total of 54 matches. South Africa is expected to host the bulk, at least 41 games across eight venues, including iconic grounds like Wanderers Stadium (Johannesburg), Newlands (Cape Town), Kingsmead (Durban), and Centurion Park. Zimbabwe will stage 8-10 matches, while Namibia will host around three games in Windhoek.
ICC ODI World Cup 2027 Format
The tournament format will revert to the 2003 structure: two groups of seven teams, with the top three from each advancing to a Super Six stage, followed by semi-finals and the final on November 21. Hosts South Africa and Zimbabwe qualify automatically, joined by the top eight ODI-ranked teams as of March 2027. The remaining four spots will be decided through qualifiers.
This event kicks off the 2027-2031 Future Tours Programme and promises high-octane action on pace-friendly African pitches. With defending champions Australia likely to feature prominently, anticipation is already building for what could be a historic tournament.
Full fixtures are expected to be released after the ICC AGM in July 2026. Cricket enthusiasts across the globe are now counting down to an unforgettable African summer of cricket.
