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Durban has officially made the team sheet.
The city has been confirmed as one of the host venues for the ICC Men's Cricket World Cup 2027, and KwaZulu-Natal Cricket is welcoming the event with open arms
The announcement means Hollywoodbets Kingsmead Stadium again take centre stage on the global sporting calendar as South Africa joins Zimbabwe and Namibia in hosting one of cricket's biggest tournaments.
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A once-in-a-lifetime opportunity
KwaZulu-Natal Cricket CEO Heinrich Strydom says the tournament represents far more than just a series of cricket matches.
“As the KZN Cricket Union we are incredibly excited to be hosting this once-in-a-lifetime event at the iconic Hollywoodbets Kingsmead Stadium,” he says.
“This event will give Kingsmead, Durban and the entire KZN province the perfect opportunity to showcase our vibrant culture. Our aim is to optimise the opportunities associated with one of the biggest events in the world of sport and create a legacy for our next generation through infrastructure upgrades and, more importantly, memories that will last forever.”
The ICC Men's Cricket World Cup remains one of the largest sporting events on the planet, attracting billions of viewers worldwide.
Being selected as one of just 12 official host venues places Durban firmly on the international stage once again, reinforcing its reputation for successfully hosting world-class sporting spectacles.
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Durban gets ready
Momentum has already begun building behind the scenes.
Earlier this year, eThekwini Municipality approved its Host City Agreement with Cricket South Africa, officially paving the way for Durban to host matches during the tournament.
Since then, municipal officials and Cricket South Africa have been working together to prepare the city, with planning already underway to ensure Durban delivers a memorable experience.
The Executive Director for Community Services, Dr Vusi Mazibuko, has been designated as the lead executive responsible for coordinating the implementation of the Host City Agreement within the municipality.
“An allocation of R600 000 has been provided in the 2026/27 financial year budget to support preparatory and implementation activities linked to Durban’s Host City obligations,” the Council says.
“The full scope of municipal responsibilities and related operational requirements will be finalised during the implementation process and will be incorporated into future budgeting and approval processes.”
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A boost beyond the boundary rope
For cricket lovers, it's exciting. For Durban, it's much bigger than that.
The tournament is expected to bring thousands of international visitors, travelling supporters, media organisations and commercial partners to the city, providing a major boost for local businesses.
Visitors arriving for matches are likely to extend their stay, exploring everything from our vibrant culinary scene to our game reserves, beaches, and mountains.
The tournament is expected to inject significant spending into hotels, guesthouses, restaurants, retail stores, tour operators and transport services, while showcasing KwaZulu-Natal's incredible tourism assets.
The cricket may be what brings them here, but Durban will keep them coming back!
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