Mangaung to co-host 2027 ICC ODI World Cup

The City of Roses, Bloemfontein has been selected as one of the co-host City to host the 2027 ICC ODI World Cup set to get under way in South Africa, Namibia and Zimbabwe.

The three Southern Africa countries will jointly host the epic World Cup in 2027.

Bloemfontein’s Mangaung Oval is among the eight venues selected to host the premier 50-over cricket event, with Buffalo Park in East London also making the cut.

In 2003, Bloemfontein played host to several matches during the Cricket World Cup, marking the first time the tournament was held in South Africa.

Since then, Bloemfontein has also been chosen as a venue for the ICC U19 Men’s Cricket World Cup on two occasions, with the most recent being in 2024.

During the 2003 World Cup, Bloemfontein witnessed five matches, including a remarkable 10-wicket victory by the Proteas against Bangladesh.

On that day, Makhaya Ntini took 4/24 in 7.1 overs, leading to Bangladesh being bowled out for 108 runs.

Gary Kirsten scored an unbeaten 52, while Herschelle Gibbs contributed 49 not out as the Proteas successfully chased down the target in just 12 overs.

Johan van Heerden, the CEO of Free State Cricket, expressed his delight at the news, stating that it adds to what has already been a successful domestic season.

“We are extremely proud that we hosted the U19 Men’s Cricket World Cup here in January, and we were the only venue out of all of the host cities that has a clear audit from Cricket South Africa,” said Van Heerden.

“On the back of that Cricket South Africa along with the International Cricket Council had visits to the stadium a year back and the readiness was already determined then.

“So, yes, we will be hosting games in the 2027 men’s 50-over World Cup in South Africa, and Bloemfontein will be one of those venues. It’s such great news for us going forward.” Van Heerden described this as fantastic news for the future of cricket in Bloemfontein.

The other six venues that will also host games during the 2027 World Cup in South Africa are Boland Park (Paarl), Kingsmead (Durban), Newlands (Cape Town), St George’s Park (Gqeberha), SuperSport Park (Pretoria), and the Wanderers (Johannesburg).

Although the ICC has yet to confirm the dates and fixtures, the World Cup is scheduled to take place in September 2027.