ODI World Cup 2027 Expected To Run From Oct 4 To Nov 21 In Africa
ODI World Cup 2027 likely scheduled from Oct 4 to Nov 21.
The ICC Men’s ODI World Cup 2027 is expected to be held from October 4 to November 21, with South Africa, Namibia, and Zimbabwe set to jointly host the tournament, according to reports. The event will mark the return of the men’s ODI World Cup to the African continent for the first time since 2003, bringing one of cricket’s biggest competitions back to a region with a strong sporting legacy.
The scheduling details were reportedly discussed during an International Cricket Council (ICC) board meeting held in Ahmedabad in May, with final confirmation expected at the ICC Annual General Meeting in Edinburgh in July. While the dates remain provisional, preparations across the three host nations are already underway to accommodate what is expected to be a major global sporting event.
South Africa is anticipated to host the majority of the tournament, with at least 41 of the 54 matches expected to be played across eight venues in the country. Zimbabwe is projected to stage between eight and ten matches across three stadiums, including Harare Sports Club, Queens Sports Club in Bulawayo, and the newly constructed Fale Mosi-oa-Tunya International Cricket Stadium in Victoria Falls. Namibia is expected to host three matches during the tournament.
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The Victoria Falls stadium is scheduled for completion later this year and will initially be used for domestic cricket before officially opening to international fixtures in 2027. Earlier discussions about inaugurating the venue during a proposed international tour were reportedly postponed, pushing its debut closer to the World Cup timeline.
The 2027 edition will also introduce a revised tournament structure featuring 14 participating teams divided into two groups of seven. The top three teams from each group will progress to the Super Six stage. As ICC Full Members, South Africa and Zimbabwe will qualify automatically, while Namibia will need to secure its place through the qualification pathway.
Defending champions Australia, who won the 2023 ODI World Cup after defeating India in the final, remain the most successful team in the tournament’s history with six titles. The 2027 edition will also be the first major ICC event under the 2027–31 Future Tours Programme, which governs the international cricket calendar and bilateral series scheduling for participating nations.
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