Zimbabwe will host matches at three iconic venues during the 2027 ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup after the International Cricket Council (ICC) officially unveiled the tournament’s host cities and venues at a colourful launch ceremony held in South Africa on Thursday.
The announcement confirmed that Harare Sports Club, Queens Sports Club in Bulawayo, and the newly constructed Mosi-oa-Tunya International Cricket Stadium in Victoria Falls will stage matches during the global showpiece, marking Zimbabwe’s biggest cricket hosting role since jointly staging the 2003 World Cup.
The 2027 edition will be co-hosted by South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia, with 12 venues spread across the three nations. South Africa will host eight venues, Zimbabwe three, while Namibia will stage matches at its new international cricket ground in Windhoek. The tournament will return to African soil for the first time in 24 years under the theme “Three Nations, One Heartbeat” and the campaign slogan “Make the Circle Bigger.”
For Zimbabwe Cricket, the confirmation represents years of investment in infrastructure aimed at restoring the country’s place on the global cricket map.
The inclusion of Victoria Falls is particularly significant. The Mosi-oa-Tunya International Cricket Stadium, one of Zimbabwe’s newest sporting facilities, will make its World Cup debut, adding a world-class venue in one of Africa’s premier tourist destinations. Together with the historic Harare Sports Club and Queens Sports Club, Zimbabwe now boasts a diverse mix of traditional and modern venues capable of welcoming the world’s leading cricket nations.
ICC Chairman Jay Shah described the venue announcement as a major milestone in the countdown to the tournament.
“The return of this prestigious tournament to Africa after 24 years is a landmark moment for cricket,” Shah said during the launch ceremony. “South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia will deliver an unforgettable event, showcasing the warmth, passion and diversity of the region.”
The tournament, scheduled for October and November 2027, will feature 14 teams competing under the reintroduced Super Six format. Zimbabwe qualifies automatically as one of the co-hosts, ensuring home supporters will witness the Chevrons competing on familiar grounds against the world’s elite.
Beyond the cricket, hosting the World Cup is expected to provide a major economic boost for Zimbabwe through tourism, hospitality and infrastructure development. Victoria Falls, already one of Africa’s leading travel destinations, is anticipated to attract thousands of international visitors, while Harare and Bulawayo are expected to benefit from increased business activity throughout the tournament.
The confirmation of Zimbabwe’s three venues also highlights the country’s growing reputation as a host of international cricket after successfully staging bilateral series and ICC qualifying events in recent years.
With just over a year remaining before the first ball is bowled, attention will now shift towards final venue preparations, operational planning and building excitement for what promises to be one of the biggest sporting events ever hosted in Southern Africa.
For Zimbabwean cricket fans, the countdown to 2027 has officially begun.
