Online Reporter
Don Mkanyanga
Zimpapers Sports Hub
AFRICAN Cricket Association chairman Tavengwa Mukuhlani has described the 2027 ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup as a “defining moment” for the continental game, as host cities for the jamboree were unveiled in South Africa last week.
The tournament, set for Zimbabwe, South Africa and Namibia, will be the first time the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup returns to African soil in 24 years.
Zimbabwe will stage some of the World Cup matches in Harare, Bulawayo, and Victoria Falls among the 12 host cities across the three Southern African nations.
Mukuhlani said the confirmation of the host cities was a major milestone as preparations for the global show-piece gather momentum.
“Having the host cities confirmed is a tremendous honour for Africa and a vote of confidence in our ability as a continent to stage world-class international cricket events.
“This marks another significant milestone on our journey towards hosting the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2027,” said Mukuhlani.
Mukuhlani said the global show-piece would go beyond cricket.
“Together with our partners in South Africa and Namibia, we look forward to delivering an unforgettable Cricket World Cup that reflects the spirit of our continent.
“This tournament presents a unique opportunity not only to showcase our cricket but also our people, culture, hospitality, and breathtaking tourism destinations to a global audience,” he said.
Mukuhlani added that the global showcase also presented an opportunity to strengthen African unity and challenge negative perceptions that divide the continent.
“Sport has always had the power to bring people together, and this World Cup gives us another opportunity to send a strong message that Africa stands united.
“As we prepare to welcome the world, we must also reject xenophobia and embrace one another as Africans.
“This tournament should celebrate our shared identity and demonstrate that together we are stronger than any divisions,” he said.
He emphasised Africa’s growing reputation as a capable host of major global events.
“This is Africa’s opportunity to demonstrate that it can consistently host major global sporting events at the highest standard,” said Mukuhlani.
He also highlighted the importance of regional cooperation in delivering the tournament.
“Working together with South Africa and Namibia shows the strength of regional collaboration and our shared vision for African cricket.
“We believe the 2027 World Cup will accelerate investment in cricket infrastructure and create new opportunities for young players across the continent,” he said.
Mukuhlani said while preparations were on track, there remained room for improvement before the tournament gets underway.
“There are still areas that we can improve ahead of the 2027 World Cup,” he said.
Turning to the growth of the sport on the continent, Mukuhlani said the construction of state-of-the-art facilities in Namibia and Tanzania should be a benchmark for other countries.
Soon after the unveiling of the World Cup host cities, Mukuhlani travelled to Tanzania for the commissioning of that country’s cricket stadium.
“Many of our 23 member organisations can learn from what Namibia and Tanzania have done. Building cricket facilities capable of hosting major ICC tournaments is something that we should all be proud of.
“We look forward to other nations emulating that because it will help grow the game across the continent. We will be talking about Africa as one cricket destination.”
He added that the progress being made across the continent reflected a positive long-term trend.
“The development that we have seen across the continent and the amount of cricket being played by countries tells the steady growth trajectory the sport is taking in Africa,” said Mukuhlani.
