While it was only known that the World Cup 2027 in South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia, was to be played in October-November, the dates were not out. But as per ESPNCricinfo, ICC’s biggest event will be held from October 4 to November 21, 2027.
Dates for World Cup 2027 revealed
The same was agreed upon at the ICC board meeting in May, while the final details will be confirmed at the ICC AGM in Edinburgh in July. Meanwhile, South Africa’s eight venues are slated to host 41 out of 54 matches, while Zimbabwe could get 8-10 matches; Namibia could get only three. The report further states that the three venues in ZIM could be – Harare, Queens in Bulawayo and the Victoria Falls. In SA — these venues are — Centurion, Johannesburg, Bloemfontein, Durban, East London, Gqerberha, Paarl and Cape Town.
WC returns to Africa
Just for the unversed, the World Cup returns to the African continent after 24 years, with the last event taking place in 2003 – where India and Australia played the final in Johannesburg. Post that, South Africa also hosted the inaugural 2007 T20 World Cup that MS Dhoni’s Team India won. Not to forget the 2009 Champions Trophy and the 2023 Women’s World Cup.
Also, the World Cup returns to the 14-team format, with the last two editions being played with 10 teams. As per the format, all the teams will be divided into two groups of seven teams each. Top 3 then advance to the Super 6, from where the semi-finalists will emerge.
Qualification for World Cup
South Africa and Zimbabwe get a confirmed entry as the host nations, but that is not the case with Namibia. That is because they are not the full members of ICC, and will have to go through a qualification process. As many as four teams are to be decided through various qualifying tournaments.
