ICC announces schedule for ODI World Cup 2027
The ICC reveals schedule for ODI World Cup 2027 has sparked excitement among cricket fans worldwide.
The 2027 men’s ODI World Cup is provisionally scheduled from October 4 to November 21. South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Namibia will jointly host the tournament.
The schedule was approved in an ICC board meeting held in Ahmedabad in May. Final approval is expected at the Annual General Meeting in Edinburgh in July.
South Africa will host the majority of matches during the tournament. Around 41 of the 54 matches are expected to be played across eight venues.
Zimbabwe will host between eight and 10 matches across its venues. Namibia is expected to stage three matches during the global event.
Zimbabwe’s venue list may also expand in the coming months. Victoria Falls is expected to join Harare and Bulawayo as official host cities.
A new stadium in Victoria Falls is nearing completion. The Fale Mosi-oa-Tunya International Cricket Stadium will first host domestic matches before international use.
The 2027 edition will mark a historic return of the ODI World Cup to Africa after 2003. It will also bring back the 14-team format after two editions with 10 teams.
Also read: Pakistan announces 15-member T20 squad Asian Games team
Under the format, teams will be divided into two groups of seven. The top three from each group will advance to the Super Six stage.
South Africa and Zimbabwe will qualify automatically as Full Members. Namibia will need to qualify through the standard process.
The tournament will also begin the 2027-2031 Future Tours Program cycle. Discussions are still ongoing about possible changes to the World Test Championship structure.
Cricket officials say final decisions on major reforms may also be taken at the July AGM. The event could shape the future direction of international cricket.
The ICC has confirmed a major tournament plan that brings the World Cup back to Africa. The new format increases competition and opportunities for more teams. Final decisions in July will be key for cricket’s future structure.
