The International Cricket Council has announced 12 venues across South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Namibia to host the 2027 ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup, marking the competition’s return to the continent after 24 years.

The last time the Men’s Cricket World Cup was held in this region was in 2003, when the tournament took place in South Africa, Zimbabwe and Kenya.

Under the “Three Nations, One Heartbeat” theme and the philosophy of “Ubuntu” the 14th edition of the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2027 will feature 57 matches with a new three-stage format that will deliver more competitive cricket and enhance the fan experience.

Announced during a prestigious ceremony in Johannesburg attended by regional cricketing icons, the tournament structure allocates eight world-class stadiums to South Africa, three to Zimbabwe, and one to Namibia’s capital city, Windhoek, with Johannesburg’s Wanderers Stadium designated to host the final.

“This marks an exciting milestone on the road to the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2027,” ICC Chairman Jay Shah said. “The return of this prestigious tournament to Africa after 24 years is a landmark moment for cricket. We are confident that South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia will deliver an unforgettable event, showcasing the warmth, passion and rich diversity that make this region truly unique,“ he added.

Venues in South Africa

Wanderers Stadium (Johannesburg)

Centurion (Tshwane)

Newlands Cricket Ground (Cape Town)

Kingsmead Cricket Ground (Durban)

St George’s Park (Gqeberha)

Mangaung Oval (Bloemfontein)

Boland Park (Paarl)

Buffalo Park (KuGompo City, formerly known as East London).

Venues in Zimbabwe

Harare Sports Club (Harare)

Queens Sports Club (Bulawayo)

Fale Mosi-oa-Tunya International Cricket Stadium (Victoria Falls)

Venue in Namibia

Namibia Cricket Ground (Windhoek)

India on Sunday (July 26, 2026) reclaimed the No.1 position in ICC men’s T20I rankings after taking an unassailable 2-0 lead against Zimbabwe in the ongoing three-match series at Harare.

The reigning T20 world champions regained the top spot from England, who had dethroned Shreyas Iyer’s side after their 4-0 series win recently.

India had also lost to Ireland 0-2 prior to that.

But Men in Blue returned to winning ways, beating Zimbabwe by seven wickets in the first T20I at Harare before establishing a 2-0 lead with a 90-run victory in the second match.

India top-order batter Ishan Kishan,who made a fifty in the second T20I against the African side, remains on top of the batters’ list with 892 points followed by Abhishek Sharma (858 points).

Tilak Varma, who made a brisk fifty in the second T20I, retained his eighth spot with 733 points.

Spinner Varun Chakravarthy, who is not a part of the Zimbabwe series, is the lone Indian bowler in top 10, maintaining his fifth slot with 683 points.

India opener Sanju Samson was on Tuesday (April 14, 2026) named ICC Men’s Player of the Month for March, capping a stellar run that saw him play a defining role in the team’s triumphant T20 World Cup campaign.

Samson did not get to play in the early part of the tournament but was the standout performer in the big games towards the end and helped India retain the title.