Men’s World Cup returns to Africa after 24 years

More than two decades after South Africa staged the 2003 edition, the men’s World Cup will return to Africa next year. From October 4 to November 11, 14 teams will compete across eight South African venues as well as grounds in Harare, Bulawayo, Victoria Falls and Windhoek. The announcement was made at a glittering launch event in Johannesburg, where Makhaya Ntini, Temba Bavuma, Hashim Amla and Kagiso Rabada reflected on the legacy of 2003 and the excitement of hosting again.

The earlier tournament remains etched in memory: Brian Lara’s opening‑match hundred, South Africa’s dramatic Duckworth‑Lewis exit, Shoaib Akhtar’s 161.3 km/h thunderbolt and Ricky Ponting’s decisive 140 not out in the final. This new edition aims to build on that history with striking African branding and expanded regional involvement. With construction underway at Victoria Falls and Namibia unveiling a new national ground, the continent is preparing for a vibrant, celebratory return to cricket’s global stage.