2027 Cricket World Cup: Host Countries, Teams, Format & Schedule

2027 Cricket World Cup: The cricketing world is already buzzing with anticipation for the 2027 Cricket World Cup. As fans prepare for another global celebration of cricket, here’s an overview of what we know so far and what makes this tournament so special.
The ICC Cricket World Cup is more than just a sporting event; it’s a festival that unites cricket enthusiasts from all corners of the world. With the 2027 edition on the horizon, the stakes are higher than ever for players, teams, and fans alike.
The 2027 ICC Cricket World Cup is set to be a landmark event, marking the 14th edition of this prestigious tournament. Scheduled for October and November 2027, this World Cup promises exciting changes and a return to some classic formats.
Co-Hosting Nations
For the first time, the World Cup will be co-hosted by three African nations:
- South Africa: Having previously hosted the tournament in 2003, South Africa brings experience and world-class venues to the event.
- Zimbabwe: Co-hosting for the second time, Zimbabwe offers a rich cricketing culture and a passionate fan base.
- Namibia: Making its debut as a host nation, Namibia’s inclusion signifies the ICC’s commitment to expanding cricket’s global reach.
2027 Cricket World Cup Schedule
The 2027 Cricket World Cup is scheduled to take place in October and November 2027. It will be co-hosted by South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Namibia, marking the first time Namibia will host matches. The tournament will feature 14 teams and a total of 54 matches, following a format similar to the 2003 edition.
Category | Details |
Edition | 14th Cricket World Cup |
Host Countries | South Africa, Zimbabwe, Namibia |
Tournament Dates | October – November 2027 |
Total Teams | 14 |
Total Matches | 54 |
Tournament Format | Group Stage → Super 6s → Knockout Stage |
Group Stage Format | 2 Groups of 7 teams each |
Super 6s Format | Top 3 teams from each group qualify |
Final Venue | South Africa (Exact venue TBD) |
New Hosting Nation | Namibia (First time hosting) |
The competition will begin with a group stage, where teams are divided into two groups of seven. The top three teams from each group will advance to the Super Six stage, followed by the semi-finals and the final.
Specific match dates and venues are yet to be finalized, but the host nations have shortlisted iconic cricket grounds like Newlands Cricket Ground (Cape Town), Wanderers Stadium (Johannesburg), and Harare Sports Club (Harare)
Confirmed Venues in South Africa
Stadium | Location | Capacity |
Wanderers Stadium | Johannesburg | 30,000 |
Newlands Cricket Ground | Cape Town | 25,000 |
SuperSport Park | Centurion | 22,000 |
Kingsmead | Durban | 19,000 |
St George’s Park | Gqeberha | 19,000 |
Mangaung Oval | Bloemfontein | 20,000 |
Boland Park | Paarl | 10,000 |
Buffalo Park | East London | 15,000 |
A Historic Collaboration: South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Namibia
The 2027 Cricket World Cup will mark a significant milestone as it is co-hosted by three African nations: South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Namibia. This will be the first time Namibia joins the hosting duties, promising an exciting and inclusive cricket experience.
Tournament Format and Schedule
The 2027 World Cup will feature 14 teams, returning to a more expansive format after the smaller 10-team setup in recent years. This change ensures broader representation, allowing emerging cricket nations to showcase their talent on a global stage.
The tournament will follow a round-robin stage, where teams compete against each other for a spot in the knockout rounds. The final promises to be a grand spectacle, with South Africa hosting the iconic match in one of its premier cricketing venues.
Confirmed Venues
South Africa has announced eight venues for the tournament:
- Wanderers Stadium, Johannesburg: Capacity of approximately 30,000.
- Newlands Cricket Ground, Cape Town: Capacity of 25,000.
- SuperSport Park, Centurion: Capacity of 22,000.
- Kingsmead, Durban: Capacity of 19,000.
- St George’s Park, Gqeberha: Capacity of 19,000.
- Mangaung Oval, Bloemfontein: Capacity of 20,000.
- Boland Park, Paarl: Capacity of 10,000.
- Buffalo Park, East London: Capacity of 15,000.
Players to Watch
While it’s too early to predict the squads, cricket fans are eagerly watching the rise of young talent who could dominate the World Cup in 2027. Teams like India, Australia, England, and Pakistan are expected to bring their A-game, but underdogs could spring surprises, as seen in past tournaments.
Impact Beyond Cricket
The 2027 Cricket World Cup is not just about the sport; it’s an opportunity to foster cultural exchange and boost tourism in the host nations. Fans traveling to Africa will enjoy breathtaking landscapes, rich cultures, and the warm hospitality of the locals.
Read also: T20 World Cup 2026 Schedule
FAQs (People also ask)
Who is hosting the World Cup 2027?
- South Africa
- Zimbabwe
- Namibia
Where is the WTC final in 2027?
Lord’s
Can Rohit Sharma play the World Cup in 2027?
It is highly unlikely that Rohit Sharma will be part of the 2027 Cricket World Cup.
Who will be the next captain of the Indian cricket team in 2027?
Shreyas Iyer
Conclusion
As the countdown begins, the 2027 Cricket World Cup promises to be a thrilling chapter in the history of international cricket. With its expanded format, diverse hosting nations, and the allure of the unknown, this tournament is set to captivate the hearts of millions.