CSA to invest up to R400 million to upgrade stadiums for World Cup 2027

Cricket South Africa (CSA) has announced ambitious plans to invest between R200 million and R400 million in upgrading the country's stadium infrastructure in preparation for the 2027 ODI World Cup. This massive effort aims to ensure that South Africa, along with co-hosts Zimbabwe and Namibia, are fully ready to deliver a world-class tournament experience.

The 2027 edition of the ODI World Cup will mark the first time the coveted event returns to the African continent since 2003, when South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Kenya shared hosting duties. This upcoming tournament represents a golden opportunity for the region to show its sporting capabilities.

According to CSA's CEO, Pholetsi Moseki, the organization will start a comprehensive review of the eight designated World Cup venues over the next two weeks. “Some of the grounds may need more aid than others,” Moseki told The Sunday Times.

Also read: Cricket South Africa shortlists eight venues for ODI World Cup 2027

This is great news for cricket in South Africa: Lawson Naidoo

The planned upgrades will target the Wanderers in Johannesburg, Centurion Park in Pretoria, Kingsmead in Durban, St George's Park in Gqeberha, Boland Park in Paarl, and Newlands in Cape Town. Additionally, the Mangaung Oval in Bloemfontein and Buffalo Park in East London will also host matches during the prestigious tournament.

“This is great news for cricket in South Africa and indeed the entire African continent. CSA had submitted a compelling bid for the Men’s World Cup to return to our shores and for Africa to again enjoy the sporting, social, and economic benefits of hosting this prestigious world cricket event," said Lawson Naidoo, Chairperson of the CSA Board.

"We are delighted that through this tournament the world will get a view of the abundance of talent that abounds in this beautiful part of the world," Naidoo further added.

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Rihan Richards, the CSA President, shared the same thoughts, “Hosting a Men’s World Cup spells a variety of benefits for CSA, and its entire membership. We would like to congratulate the Board, ICC Africa, and all administrators who worked tirelessly to make this possible. This demonstrates what can be achieved when we pull all our resources for the benefit of the game and its fans,” he said.