Cricket officials unveiled the host cities and brand identity for the ICC Men's Cricket World Cup 2027 at a launch event in Johannesburg on Thursday. The tournament will return to Africa for the first time in 24 years, taking place across 12 venues in October and November 2027.
The ICC Men's Cricket World Cup 2027 will be hosted across South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia, with 12 venues confirmed for the tournament scheduled for October and November 2027. The event marks cricket's return to Africa after a 24-year absence, with the last edition held on the continent in 2003. Officials unveiled the tournament brand at a launch ceremony at the Inanda Polo Club in Johannesburg, attended by cricket dignitaries, current players and former legends of the sport.
The tournament's brand identity centres on the African circular bowl, a culturally significant woven basket historically used across Southern Africa to present harvests, gifts and offerings. The branding initiative, titled "Make the Circle Bigger," draws from the philosophy of Ubuntu—"I am, because we are"—emphasising unity, diversity and community. The visual design incorporates colours representing each host nation, including Zimbabwe Chilli, Harare Dawn and Namib Dune, reflecting the region's rich cultural tapestry of 29 officially recognised languages.
The 12 host venues span eight stadiums in South Africa, three in Zimbabwe and one in Namibia. South African venues include the Wanderers Stadium in Johannesburg, Centurion in Tshwane, Newlands in Cape Town, and grounds in Durban, Gqeberha, Bloemfontein, Paarl and East London. Zimbabwe will host matches at Harare Sports Club, Queens Sports Club in Bulawayo and the newly constructed Fale Mosi-oa-Tunya International Cricket Stadium in Victoria Falls. Namibia will utilise the Namibia Cricket Ground in Windhoek.
The tournament will feature 14 teams competing across 57 matches in a restructured format designed to enhance competitiveness and fan experience. The new three-stage format includes a Super Series for lower-ranked teams, a 30-match round-robin stage and a Super Seven knockout phase. ICC Chairman Jay Shah described the event as a landmark moment for cricket, while local organisers emphasised their commitment to delivering an exceptional tournament that showcases the region's warmth, cultural heritage and passion for sport.
