Zimbabwe to Host Three Matches at ICC Men's Cricket World Cup 2027

By Southerton Business Times Reporter | Johannesburg, South Africa

Zimbabwe will host three matches during the 2027 ICC Men's Cricket World Cup, with games scheduled for Harare Sports Club, Queens Sports Club in Bulawayo and the newly built Fale Mosi-oa-Tunya International Cricket Stadium in Victoria Falls. The announcement was made on Thursday as the International Cricket Council (ICC) and the tournament's Local Organising Committee officially unveiled the host cities and tournament brand in Johannesburg, confirming plans for South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia to jointly stage the global showpiece in October and November 2027. The tournament will mark the first ICC Men's Cricket World Cup hosted in Africa since 2003, when South Africa, Zimbabwe and Kenya co-hosted the competition.

Zimbabwe's confirmed venues are:

• Harare Sports Club

• Queens Sports Club

• Fale Mosi-oa-Tunya International Cricket Stadium

The Victoria Falls stadium will make its ICC Men's Cricket World Cup debut and forms part of Zimbabwe's efforts to expand international sporting infrastructure. Across the three host nations, the tournament will be played at 12 venues eight in South Africa, three in Zimbabwe and one in Namibia at the Namibia Cricket Ground.

Former Zimbabwe captain Hamilton Masakadza represented the country at the launch, joining South African cricket legends Graeme Smith, Makhaya Ntini, Hashim Amla, current Proteas captain Temba Bavuma, fast bowler Kagiso Rabada, and Namibia's **Rudolf Jansen van Vuuren. The event introduced the tournament theme, "Three Nations, One Heartbeat," alongside the official brand identity, "Make the Circle Bigger." Inspired by the traditional African woven bowl used to present harvests and gifts, organisers said the brand symbolises unity, hospitality and the growth of cricket across the continent.

ICC Chairman Jay Shah described the announcement as a major milestone for world cricket.

"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."

"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."

Local Organising Committee chairman Trevor Manuel said the launch represented Africa's invitation to the global cricket community.

"Today is far more than the unveiling of a tournament brand and host cities; it is the moment Africa begins its invitation to the world."

LOC chief executive Qondisa Ngwenya said the campaign aims to inspire new generations of players and supporters while showcasing Africa's culture and diversity.

The 2027 ICC Men's Cricket World Cup will feature 57 matches under a new three-stage competition format. The tournament will begin with a Super Series playoff involving the three lowest-ranked qualifying teams before progressing to a 12-team group stage, where teams will be divided into two pools. The leading teams will then advance to a Super Seven round-robin phase, with the top four progressing to the semi-finals before the final determines the world champions. The tournament is expected to attract millions of viewers worldwide while providing a major tourism and economic boost for the three host nations.

Zimbabwe ICC Cricket World Cup 2027