'It is great to have it back…': Smith on marquee tournament's return to Africa

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The ODI World Cup 2027 is set to be hosted in South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Namibia. This will also mark the return of the tournament to Africa after 24 years.

Speaking ahead of the marquee event, former South Africa cricketer and ICC Hall of Famer Graeme Smith expressed happiness by saying that the fan base in these three countries deserves a global tournament.

“It has been a long time coming since Africa or South Africa hosted a men’s world cricket event again. I think the vibrancy of these three nations, the quality of players, the fan base certainly deserves a world event in the game, so it is great to have it back,” he said as quoted by ICC.

He then cited the example of the recently-concluded FIFA World Cup 2026 and is hopeful that cricket fans will turn out in huge numbers with the participation of 14 teams in the ODI World Cup 2027.

“We have just come off a football World Cup where you have seen a massive amount of nations compete and the cultures and the coming together of many different countries getting behind their teams. It is amazing. With 14 teams now, you hope that many people decide to come and travel to South Africa and be a part of the event,” said Smith.

The former cricketer also feels that the ODI World Cup is an elusive trophy that everyone wants to lay their hands on.

“I think from a world sporting event perspective, most World Cups happen every four-year cycle. It is seen as the event to win. It’s obviously got a lot more tradition, a lot more stature. I think still when you get to this ODI World Cup it is going to be intense, the fandom is going to be great. I think it is the one that everyone wants to get their hands on,” said the 45-year-old former cricketer.

Smith is buoyed by the expansion, saying it reflects the continued growth of the international game and gives more nations the opportunity to compete on cricket‘s biggest stage.

“I think you have seen the fan base and the teams coming through. I think that’s improved dramatically over the last few years. I think we want to see cricket grow,” he said.

ODI World Cup 2027: Venues for the mega event’s matches

South Africa will host games at eight venues, including Wanderers Stadium in Johannesburg, SuperSport Park in Centurion, Newlands Cricket Ground in Cape Town, Kingsmead Cricket Ground in Durban, St George’s Park in Gqeberha, Mangaung Oval in Bloemfontein, Boland Park in Paarl and Buffalo Park in KuGompo City (formerly East London), according to the ICC website.

Zimbabwe will stage matches at Harare Sports Club in Harare, Queens Sports Club in Bulawayo and Fale Mosi-oa-Tunya International Cricket Stadium in Victoria Falls, while Namibia’s capital Windhoek will host games at the Namibia Cricket Ground.

(With ANI Inputs)

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