THREE NATIONS, ONE HEARTBEAT

Robson Sharuko in JOHANNESBURG

SPORT’S powerful ability to unite nations will be on full display when the countdown to the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2027 officially begins here today.

Zimbabwe, South Africa and Namibia will host the World Cup, which has been expanded from 10 teams to 14 teams, from October 4 to November 21, next year.

All the major players, including representatives of the three host nations, senior Government officials, their cricket leaders and ICC chiefs will meet at two key events here today.

Given the chaos, which has been triggered by xenophobic attacks in some parts of this country, the coming together of Zimbabwe, South Africa and Namibia, under one umbrella, is a powerful reminder of sport’s power to unite.

The tournament will be hosted under the theme, “Three Nations, One Heartbeat.”

Zimbabwe Cricket officials have said the Zimbabwe delegation here will be led by Sport, Recreation, Arts and Culture Minister Anselem Sanyatwe.

To underline the fact that the World Cup is more than just a sporting event, ZC officials have said Tourism and Hospitality Minister Barbra Rwodzi will be part of the Zimbabwe delegation for today’s activities.

South Africa will host the bulk of the matches, including the final at the Wanderers here in Johannesburg on November 21, next year, while Zimbabwe and Namibia will host a share of the action.

This morning, there will be a Destination Readiness Media Launch at 10am and it will be followed by the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2027 Brand Reveal in Sandton at 6pm.

The functions will be graced by the senior ICC leadership, the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2027 Local Organising Committee, senior Government officials from the three host nations and the leaders of ZC, Cricket South Africa and Cricket Namibia.

“These events form part of the official build-up to the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2027, which Zimbabwe will co-host alongside South Africa and Namibia,” ZC said in a statement.

“They will bring together senior government officials, representatives of the International Cricket Council, the three host cricket boards, commercial partners and members of the international media as preparations for the tournament gather momentum.”

South Africa will host the bulk of the World Cup matches while Zimbabwe and Namibia will also host a share of the World Cup action.

Zimbabwe will use the new cricket stadium, which is being built in Victoria Falls, as part of the venues to host the World Cup next year.

Zimbabwe and South Africa have been guaranteed a place at the World Cup but Namibia will have to fight through the qualifying process to play in the tournament.

Fourteen teams will play 54 matches during the tournament.

The three lowest-ranked sides will play in the Super Series eliminator with the winner joining 11 other sides for the 12-team Group Stage phase of the tournament.

The 12 teams will be divided into two groups of six teams each and the top three teams in each group, and the best fourth-placed team, will qualify for the Super 7 stage.

These teams will then battle for the four semi-final slots.

Thirty matches will be played in the Group Stages will 21 matches will be played in the Super 7 stage.

Zimbabwe and South Africa joined hands to host the World Cup in 2003, whose matches were also played in Kenya.

“In 2027, all eyes of the world will look into Africa when, for the first time in 24 years, the pinnacle of global cricket returns to the continent,” said the organisers.

“As one of the biggest sporting events in the world, attracting billions of fans globally, the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2027 goes beyond boundaries.

“Making the Circle Bigger is at the heart of this edition, bringing together the culture, lifestyle and unmistakable energy of Africa to create a truly unique global sporting spectacle that welcomes everyone.

“The International Cricket Council and hosts of the 2027 edition of the tournament, South Africa, Namibia and Zimbabwe are uniting as one and the journey starts right here.”

Earlier this year, Zimbabwe successfully hosted the ICC Under-19 Cricket World Cup, alongside Namibia.

The final was played at Harare Sports Club.

Zimbabwe, South Africa and Namibia were named the host countries of the ICC Men’s World Cup 2027 in November 2021.

ZC chairman, Tavengwa Mukuhlani, hailed the decision by the ICC as a vote of confidence in the country’s capacity of hosting international tournaments.

“This is clearly a vote of confidence in what we as Zimbabwe Cricket are doing and in what we as Africa can do.

“We are humbled by the trust the ICC has placed in our bid, and thrilled by the opportunity we have been given to put cricket on a new and sustainable path for generations to come.

“We are ready to ensure the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2027 stands out as a unique event that celebrates Africa in all its magnificent splendour, richness, vibrancy, diversity and glory.”