Zimbabwe’s Victoria Falls venue puts tourism in World Cup spotlight
ZIMBABWE will use the 2027 ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup to showcase one of Africa’s biggest tourist attractions after the new Fale Mosi-oa-Tunya International Cricket Stadium in Victoria Falls was confirmed as an official tournament venue.
The International Cricket Council (ICC) on Thursday named the under construction stadium among the 12 venues that will host the global showpiece across Zimbabwe, South Africa and Namibia, giving Zimbabwe three host grounds alongside Harare Sports Club and Queens Sports Club in Bulawayo.
The confirmation positions Victoria Falls to welcome thousands of international visitors while projecting the UNESCO World Heritage destination to a worldwide television audience during cricket’s flagship 50 over tournament.
Zimbabwe has been allocated 10 matches in the competition, while South Africa will stage the majority of the tournament’s 57 fixtures and Namibia will host three matches in Windhoek.
The announcement was made in Johannesburg during the official unveiling of the tournament’s host cities and brand identity under the theme “Three Nations, One Heartbeat.”
Zimbabwe cricket legend Hamilton Masakadza joined South African greats Hashim Amla and Makhaya Ntini, together with Namibia’s Rudolf Jansen van Vuuren, at the launch ceremony.
Zimbabwe Cricket chairman Tavengwa Mukuhlani and Minister of Sport, Recreation, Arts and Culture Anselem Sanyatwe were also present as preparations officially gathered momentum.
The 2027 edition will mark the return of the Men’s Cricket World Cup to Africa for the first time since 2003, when Zimbabwe co hosted the tournament alongside South Africa and Kenya.
Fourteen teams will compete in 57 matches under a new three stage competition format.
ICC chairman Jay Shah described the announcement as an important milestone in the countdown to the tournament.
“This marks an exciting milestone on the road to the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2027. The unveiling of the host cities and the tournament brand signals the start of a journey that will unite fans around the world and build anticipation for one of our sport’s biggest global events.
“The return of this prestigious tournament to Africa after 24 years is a landmark moment for cricket. We are confident that South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia will deliver an unforgettable event, showcasing the warmth, passion and rich diversity that make this region truly unique.”
ICC chief executive Sanjog Gupta said the event would celebrate Africa’s culture while highlighting the continent’s growing influence in world cricket.
“The ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup represents the legacy and spectacle of limited overs cricket. It also marks the return of the pinnacle event to Africa after more than two decades and will celebrate a continent defined by extraordinary people, vibrant cultures, breathtaking experiences and a deep love for sport.”
