Graeme Smith Excited for 50-Over World Cup's African Comeback

WHO:

The Daily Star - Graeme Smith, former South Africa captain and ICC Hall of Famer

icc-cricket.com - Graeme Smith

WHAT:

The Daily Star - The ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup will return to Africa after more than 20 years.

The Daily Star - The 2027 edition will be the 14th Men's Cricket World Cup and the first to feature 14 teams since 2015.

The Daily Star - The tournament will be hosted across eight venues in South Africa, three in Zimbabwe, and one in Namibia.

The Daily Star - The 2027 tournament will mark only the third occasion of the event being staged across three host nations after 1996 and 2003.

WHERE:

The Daily Star - The announcement took place in Johannesburg, South Africa.

The Daily Star - The Namibia Cricket Ground is located in Windhoek, Namibia.

WHEN:

The Daily Star - The ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2027 is scheduled for next year.

WHY:

The Daily Star - Graeme Smith stated that the return of the World Cup to Africa reflects the vibrancy of the three host nations and the quality of players and fan base.

The Daily Star - Smith emphasized the importance of the Cricket World Cup in the context of world sporting events, noting its tradition and stature.

HOW:

The Daily Star - Smith expressed hope that many people would travel to South Africa to be part of the event, highlighting the growth of the international game and the increased fan base.

(UPDATED August 4, 2026 10:39 UTC)

The ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup will make its long-awaited return to Africa in 2027, marking the first time in over 20 years that the tournament will be hosted on the continent. Graeme Smith, the former South Africa captain and ICC Hall of Famer, announced that the event will take place across eight venues in South Africa, three in Zimbabwe, and one in Namibia, making it only the third time the World Cup has been staged in three host nations. Smith highlighted the significance of this event, noting that it reflects the vibrancy of the host nations and the dedication of their fans, and he expressed hope that many will travel to South Africa to experience the excitement firsthand.