World Cup 2027 venues finalised [Source: AFP, X]The International Cricket Council (ICC) is reportedly considering to revise the scheduling dates of the 2027 ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup in South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia next year. As per reports, the multi-nation event will likely be moved up by a couple of days.The final, however, is set to be played on November 21 at the iconic Wanderers Stadium in Johannesburg, i.e., as per the originally-planned schedule.ICC to move up World Cup 2027As reported by Cricbuzz, the ICC is planning to begin the 2027 ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup from October 2 onwards next year. Earlier, it was speculated that the multi-nation event will commence from October 4 in the country.Also Read- BCCI Selectors Shutting Door On Rohit Sharma For 2027 World CupInitial reports also indicated that the tournament will begin on October 8 after holding all warm-up fixtures in the first week of the month. While the apex body is currently considering to begin the ODI spectacle by October 2, no formal communication has taken place regarding the start date of the showpiece event yet. Why is ICC planning to start World Cup 2027 on October 2?The ICC is planning to commence the 2027 ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup in South Africa next year from October 2 onwards in a bid to commemorate the life of Indian activist and late freedom fighter Mahatma Gandhi, who has had a huge role in India's Independence.Mahatma Gandhi also had a special relation with South Africa, considering the honorific Mahatma title was first applied to him in the country in 1914. He also spent a major part of his life in South Africa, and the country’s revolutionary Nelson Mandela was among the biggest admirers of the Indian freedom fighter. Even in cricket, Gandhi and Mandela’s shared legacy is commemorated through the “Gandhi-Mandela Trophy,” the eponymous trophy awarded to the winner of the India-South Africa Test series.Since a major part of the 2027 ICC World Cup will be hosted by South Africa, the ICC is reportedly considering October 2 as the tournament’s opening date to coincide with Gandhi Jayanti.Venues locked for World Cup 2027While the exact launch date of the 2027 ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup remains disputed, the ICC has already unveiled the entire list of venues for the tournament.As per the ICC announcement last month, the World Cup 2027 will be hosted by 12 different venues across South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia. South Africa will host a major share of the competition with eight venues, as the premier ODI competition returns to the African continent after a gap of over 24 years. The Wanderers Stadium in Johannesburg will host the final on November 21. As many as two venues, namely the Fale Mosi-oa-Tunya International Cricket Stadium in Victoria Falls and the Namibia Cricket Ground in Windhoek will be hosting World Cup matches for the first time.A total of 57 matches will be played in the tournament between 14 nations.Also Read- Trent Rockets vs Manchester Super Giants Live Streaming, Live Telecast: Where To Watch The Hundred Final 2026?
