The upcoming 2027 ICC Men’s ODI World Cup is set to begin on October 2 in a historic move to honour Mahatma Gandhi’s birth anniversary. As per reports from Cricbuzz, the International Cricket Council is working towards this start date for the tournament in South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia. Gandhi Jayanti falls on October 2 and reflects Gandhi’s deep ties to one of the host nations. He spent 21 years in South Africa, where he first developed the principles of non-violent resistance that shaped India’s freedom struggle. The final is expected to stay on November 21 and it will give the 14-team event a roughly 50-day window.
Previous plans had pointed to an October 8 start after warm-up matches in the first week of the month. Those warm-ups would now be preponed into late September so the main tournament can open on the 2nd. South Africa will host the majority of matches across eight venues, with Zimbabwe staging games in Harare, Bulawayo and the new stadium at Victoria Falls, and Namibia taking matches in Windhoek. The ICC recently confirmed the full list of 12 grounds. Despite the reports, no official confirmation has come from the ICC yet but the shift to an October 2 start appears designed to give the tournament a historical note on African soil.
Afghanistan qualify for 2027 World Cup after win over Ireland
Afghanistan became the latest team to secure their direct qualification for the upcoming World Cup after their win over Ireland in the recent ODI series. Nine teams have already secured qualification, including hosts South Africa and Zimbabwe along with India, Australia, New Zealand, Pakistan, England, Sri Lanka and Afghanistan. One automatic spot remains open with Bangladesh being ninth and West Indies being tenth in the rankings. The West Indies have two ODIs left against India in September. Even if they win both, it may not be enough. Bangladesh look more likely to take the final direct berth.
Every other team will have to go through the Qualifier in February and March next year. Ten teams will play for the last four places. The winner goes straight into the main draw. The teams finishing second, third and fourth face an extra Super Series at the start of the World Cup itself, with only one advancing further. The 2027 World Cup returns to a 14-team format after the smaller fields of 2019 and 2023. It will start with a Super Series, then move into two groups of six, a Super 7 stage, and the knockouts.
