The International Cricket Council (ICC) on Thursday officially unveiled the 12 host venues for the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2027, confirming the cities across South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia that will stage the 50-over showpiece when it returns to Africa for the first time in 24 years.The announcement was made during a grand ceremony in Johannesburg, where the ICC also revealed the tournament’s official brand identity, ‘Three Nations, One Heartbeat’, symbolising the shared spirit of optimism, diversity and unity among the three co-hosts.The 14th edition of the World Cup will feature 57 matches and 14 teams, with eight cities in South Africa, three in Zimbabwe, and Namibia’s capital Windhoek selected as host venues.The tournament marks Africa’s first Men’s ODI World Cup since the 2003 edition, which was jointly hosted by South Africa, Zimbabwe and Kenya.

‘A landmark moment for cricket’

ICC chairman Jay Shah described the venue announcement as a major milestone on the road to the global tournament.“This marks an exciting milestone on the road to the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2027. The unveiling of the host cities and the tournament brand signals the start of a journey that will unite fans around the world and build anticipation for one of our sport’s biggest global events,” he said.Shah also highlighted the significance of bringing cricket’s flagship ODI tournament back to Africa.“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.ICC chief executive Sanjog Gupta said the event would celebrate both cricket and the continent’s unique identity.“The ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup represents the legacy and spectacle of Limited Overs Cricket,” he said. “It also marks the return of the pinnacle event to Africa after more than two decades and will celebrate a continent defined by extraordinary people, vibrant cultures, breathtaking experiences and deep love for Sport.”Gupta added that the tournament’s vibrant branding reflects the energy of the host nations while inspiring future generations of fans.

‘Ubuntu’ philosophy and new tournament format

The 2027 edition will be built around the African philosophy of ‘Ubuntu’ — “I am, because we are” — and the campaign theme ‘Make the Circle Bigger’, celebrating compassion, togetherness and cultural diversity across the region’s 29 officially recognised languages.The tournament logo draws inspiration from the traditional African wire bowl, while its colour palette includes shades such as Zimbabwe Chilli, African Root, Fynbos Pop, Namib Dune, Harare Dawn and Two Oceans.The 2027 edition will feature a three-stage competition format. It will feature 57 matches and a three-stage format designed to increase competitiveness. Teams ranked 12th to 14th will first compete in a Super Series, with the winner advancing to the main tournament. The next stage will feature 12 teams split into two groups of six, each playing a round-robin. The top three teams from each group, along with the best fourth-placed side, will qualify for the Super 7. After 21 Super 7 matches, the top four teams will advance to the semi-finals before the final determines the champions.The launch ceremony was attended by several cricketing greats, including Graeme Smith, Makhaya Ntini, Hashim Amla, Temba Bavuma, Kagiso Rabada, Hamilton Masakadza and Rudolf Jansen van Vuuren, as anticipation officially began for cricket’s biggest 50-over spectacle returning to African soil.

ICC ODI World Cup 2027 host cities

South Africa

Zimbabwe

Namibia