Graeme Smith Welcomes ODI World Cup’s Return to Africa in 2027

Graeme Smith has said he is delighted that the men’s ODI World Cup is returning to Africa for the first time in more than two decades.

Twelve venues across three nations

The 12 grounds were unveiled at an official event in Johannesburg. South Africa will use eight venues and Zimbabwe three, while Namibia will host World Cup matches for the first time, at one venue. South Africa previously co-hosted the 2003 tournament with Zimbabwe and Kenya.

Smith said it had been a long wait for Africa to host a men’s World Cup again, and that the energy of the three countries, the quality of their players and their passionate supporters deserve a global event.

Bigger field, wider appeal

The 2027 edition will be the 14th World Cup and the first since 2015 to include 14 teams, ending the 10-team format of the previous two tournaments. Smith welcomed the expansion, believing it will broaden the competition’s global appeal and draw fans from around the world.

He compared it with the recently concluded FIFA World Cup, which he said shows how big sporting events bring together different cultures and fan bases. A larger Cricket World Cup, he suggested, offers the sport a similar chance to grow.

World Cups are the pinnacle of sport, Smith added: every four years the best teams chase the biggest prize, and the 50-over trophy is the one every cricketer dreams of lifting. He expects the atmosphere, intensity and fan passion to make the event special.