Online Reporter
Don Makanyanga
Zimpapers Sports Hub
AFRICAN Cricket Association (ACA) chairman Tavengwa Mukuhlani has described the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2027 as a defining moment for the game on the continent.
He said the joint hosting of the tournament by Zimbabwe, South Africa and Namibia will showcase the continent’s capacity to stage world-class sporting events.
He said it will also accelerate the game’s development.
The ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2027 will mark the return of the global showcase to African soil for the first time in 24 years.
Host cities were unveiled last week in South Africa, marking the beginning of the official countdown to the World Cup.
Among the 12 host cities are Harare, Bulawayo and Victoria Falls.
Mukuhlani said the confirmation of the host cities was a major milestone as preparations for the global showpiece 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 in our journey towards hosting the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2027.”
The ACA chairperson, who is also the Zimbabwe Cricket chairperson, added that the tournament will 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 breath-taking tourism destinations to a global audience,” he said.
Mukuhlani added 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.
“This is Africa’s opportunity to demonstrate that it can consistently host major global sporting events at the highest standard,” said Mukuhlani.
He added:
“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.
“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.”
