ICC 2027 ODI World Cup: Graeme Smith Welcomes World Cup’s Return to Africa

Former South Africa captain Graeme Smith has welcomed the return of the 50-over World Cup to Africa, saying South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia deserve to host cricket’s biggest event. The 2027 ODI World Cup will mark the tournament’s return to Africa after 24 years, following the 2003 edition.

Speaking at the announcement of the tournament’s 12 venues in Johannesburg, Smith said Africa had waited long enough to host another men’s global cricket event.

“It has been a long time coming since Africa, or South Africa, hosted a men’s world cricket event again,” Smith said, as quoted by the ICC. “I think the vibrancy of these three nations, the quality of players and the fan base certainly deserve a world event in the game, so it is great to have it back.”

Smith also said the ODI World Cup remains one of the biggest events in sport. He added: “We have just come off a football World Cup where you have seen a massive number of nations compete, and the cultures and the coming together of many different countries getting behind their teams.”

With the 2027 edition expanding to 14 teams, Smith believes more countries will get the chance to compete at the highest level.

“It is amazing. With 14 teams now, you hope that many people decide to come and travel to South Africa and be a part of the event,” he said.

The tournament will be played across eight venues in South Africa, three in Zimbabwe and one in Namibia.

For latest sports updates: Follow RevSportz

The post ICC 2027 ODI World Cup: Graeme Smith Welcomes World Cup’s Return to Africa appeared first on Sports News Portal | Revsportz.