Former South Africa captain and ICC Hall of Famer Graeme Smith has welcomed the return of the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup to Africa, calling it a landmark moment for the growth of the game. The 2027 ODI World Cup will be jointly hosted by South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Namibia, marking the tournament’s first return to the African continent since the 2003 edition. South Africa previously co-hosted the 2003 World Cup alongside Zimbabwe and Kenya.

This time, the Proteas nation will stage matches across eight venues, while Zimbabwe will host games at three venues and Namibia will host one venue, making it a truly continental celebration of cricket. Speaking during the official unveiling of the 12 World Cup venues in Johannesburg, Smith said Africa has waited a long time to welcome back one of cricket’s biggest global events.

“It’s been a long time coming since Africa or South Africa hosted a men’s world cricket event again,” Graeme Smith said during the launch ceremony. “I think the vibrancy of these three nations, the quality of players, and the fan base certainly deserve a world event in the game, so it’s great to have it back.”

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The former South Africa skipper believes the return of the World Cup will not only energise local supporters but also showcase African cricket to a global audience.

Smith also highlighted the significance of the tournament’s expanded format. The 2027 edition will feature 14 teams, the first time since 2015 that the ODI World Cup has included more than 10 nations. He feels the larger field will make the competition even more exciting and encourage greater international participation.

“We’ve just come off a football World Cup where you’ve seen a massive number of nations compete and different cultures come together to support their teams,” Graeme Smith said. “It’s amazing. With 14 teams now, you hope that many people decide to travel to South Africa and be part of the event.”

Reflecting on the stature of the tournament, Smith described the ODI World Cup as the ultimate prize in international cricket.

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“Most World Cups happen every four years. They’re seen as the event to win,” he said. “The ODI World Cup has incredible tradition and prestige. When this tournament begins, the intensity and the passion from fans will be incredible because it’s the trophy every team wants to lift.”

The 2027 ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup will be the 14th edition of the tournament and is expected to play a major role in expanding cricket’s global footprint. With 12 venues spread across South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Namibia, the event promises to celebrate the sport’s rich heritage while inspiring a new generation of fans across Africa.