Officials said preparations are already underway to ensure the competition leaves a lasting legacy for cricket, tourism and infrastructure….reports Asian Lite News Desk
Zimbabwe Cricket (ZC) Chairman Tavengwa Mukuhlani has described the confirmation of Zimbabwe as one of the hosts of the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2027 as a “tremendous honour”, saying it reflects growing confidence in the country’s ability to stage major international sporting events.
The International Cricket Council has confirmed Harare, Bulawayo and Victoria Falls among the 12 host cities for the 50-over tournament, which Zimbabwe will jointly host with South Africa and Namibia in October and November 2027.
Zimbabwe’s matches will be played at the Harare Sports Club, Queens Sports Club in Bulawayo and the under-development Mosi-oa-Tunya International Cricket Stadium in Victoria Falls.
“This marks another significant milestone on our journey towards hosting the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2027. Having Harare, Bulawayo and Victoria Falls confirmed as host cities is a tremendous honour for Zimbabwe and a vote of confidence in our ability to stage world-class international cricket events.
“This tournament presents a unique opportunity not only to showcase our cricket but also Zimbabwe’s people, culture, hospitality and breathtaking tourism destinations to a global audience. Together with our partners in South Africa and Namibia, we look forward to delivering an unforgettable Cricket World Cup that reflects the spirit of our continent,” Mukuhlani said in a statement released by Zimbabwe Cricket.
Zimbabwe Cricket Managing Director Givemore Makoni said the announcement marks an important step in the country’s preparations, with planning already well underway in coordination with the ICC and fellow host nations.
“The confirmation of our three host venues is an exciting moment for everyone who has worked tirelessly behind the scenes to bring this event to life.
“Preparations have been progressing well, and this announcement gives us even greater momentum as we continue working closely with the ICC and our fellow hosts to ensure every aspect of the tournament meets the highest international standards.
“Beyond the cricket itself, we see the World Cup as an opportunity to leave a lasting legacy through infrastructure development, tourism, economic activity and inspiring the next generation of Zimbabwean cricketers.”
The 2027 edition will mark the return of the Men’s ODI World Cup to Africa for the first time in 24 years. The continent last hosted the tournament in 2003, when South Africa, Zimbabwe and Kenya jointly staged the event.
The expanded competition will feature 14 teams playing 57 matches across the three host nations.
South Africa will host the majority of the fixtures across eight venues, including the Wanderers in Johannesburg, Newlands in Cape Town and Kingsmead in Durban. Namibia’s capital, Windhoek, will stage matches at the Namibia Cricket Ground, while Zimbabwe’s three venues will showcase the country’s cricketing heritage alongside its tourism attractions.
The tournament is expected to provide a significant boost to cricket development, tourism and economic activity across the three southern African nations while bringing the ODI World Cup back to the continent after more than two decades.
