Host Nations: South Africa, Namibia, and Zimbabwe
The southern part of Africa welcomes the cricketing world again after two decades. With lush green outfields, high-altitude pace tracks, and unpredictable spin havens, this World Cup promises thrill, emotion, and redemption.
Tournament Structure Total Matches: 54
1. Group Stage
Two groups of seven teams each
Round-robin: each team plays six matches
2. Super Six
Top 3 from each group advance
Played cross-group against teams they haven’t yet faced
Each team plays 3 Super Six matches, totaling 9 games in this round
The International Cricket Council (ICC) has officially announced the schedule and structure of the ICC Cricket World Cup 2027, to be co-hosted by South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Namibia from October to November 2027. This tournament marks a significant return to the African continent, with South Africa previously hosting the event in 2003.
Spanning over seven weeks, the tournament will commence on October 5 in Windhoek and culminate with the grand finale at Johannesburg’s iconic Wanderers Stadium on November 21. For the first time since 2011, the World Cup will feature 14 teams, divided into two groups of seven, offering fans a broader competitive landscape and greater global representation.
Each team will play six group matches in a round-robin format, leading to a total of 42 group-stage matches. The top three teams from each group will progress to the Super Six stage, where they’ll face off against qualifying teams from the opposite group. The top four sides from the Super Six will then advance to the knockout stage, comprising two semi-finals and the final — all hosted in South Africa.
With 54 matches held across 11 venues in three countries, the ICC aims to balance tradition with expansion — showcasing elite cricketing rivalries while promoting the sport in associate and emerging nations. The 2027 edition promises thrilling fixtures, unforgettable moments, and a celebration of cricket’s ever-growing global reach.
Official Squad Announcement Deadline Confirmed by ICC
The International Cricket Council (ICC) has officially confirmed the squad submission deadline for all participating nations in the ICC Cricket World Cup 2027. In line with tournament regulations, all 14 teams must finalize and submit their 15-member squads by September 15, 2027.
Each national cricket board is required to provide the ICC with its official squad list, which must include players, support staff, and the designated team captain. Teams may also name standby players, but any replacements made after the deadline will require formal approval from the ICC Event Technical Committee.
This regulation ensures that all squads are locked in at least three weeks prior to the tournament opener on October 5, allowing for smooth execution of final preparations, warm-up fixtures, and media obligations.
The ICC has also clarified that any post-deadline changes due to injury must be supported by official medical documentation and will be subject to verification and clearance by the Event Technical Committee. Final squad lists — complete with player jersey numbers and official team kits — will be released publicly shortly after the deadline.
As the deadline approaches, national selectors are under increasing pressure to strike the right balance between form, fitness, youth, and experience. Cricket fans around the globe are eagerly awaiting the final team announcements, which will set the stage for what promises to be a thrilling and competitive edition of the Cricket World Cup.
England Name 2027 World Cup Squad; Brook to Lead a Balanced, Experienced Side
England have named a balanced and battle-hardened 15-man squad for the ICC Cricket World Cup 2027, set to unfold across South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Namibia. With Harry Brook officially appointed as ODI captain, the Three Lions are charting a fresh leadership course while retaining the core of their experienced white-ball contingent.
Brook’s elevation to the top job marks a significant generational shift in England's ODI setup. Long viewed as a future leader, he now steps into the spotlight for his first major ICC event as captain. Supporting him is veteran leg-spinner Adil Rashid, who takes on the vice-captaincy role while continuing to lead England’s spin attack.
The squad features a dynamic top order spearheaded by Phil Salt, Will Jacks, and the seasoned Jason Roy — a trio capable of capitalising on powerplay restrictions with fearless strokeplay. Ben Duckett and Liam Livingstone anchor the middle order, blending precision and power, while Jos Buttler, though no longer captain, remains a vital finisher and the side’s principal wicketkeeper.
England’s bowling arsenal is built for impact, featuring a potent combination of pace and spin. Jofra Archer and Mark Wood, both returning from injury layoffs, lead a fast-bowling unit that also includes rising stars Luke Wood and Brydon Carse — each offering raw pace and bounce suited to African conditions.
In the spin department, Adil Rashid continues as the premier option, joined by promising youngsters Shoaib Bashir and Tom Hartley, both of whom have earned selection after strong recent outings and are expected to play key roles on slower surfaces.
This World Cup squad represents a blend of tactical versatility and explosive ability, with England aiming to recapture the title they last held in 2019. With a fresh captain, retained firepower, and plenty of depth across departments, the 2027 campaign offers a renewed shot at global glory for the white-ball pioneers.
England have also named Jamie Smith, Matt Potts, and Jordan Cox as travelling reserves.
Captain: Harry Brook Vice-Captain: Adil Rashid
Main Squad (15 Players)
Batters
- Harry Brook (C) – Middle-order
- Jason Roy – Opener
- Phil Salt – Opener
- Will Jacks – Opener / Off-spin
- Ben Duckett – Top-order
Australia Name 2027 World Cup Squad; Cummins to Lead Bold, Fast-Paced Unit into a New Era
Australia have named a dynamic and power-packed 15-man squad for the ICC Cricket World Cup 2027, to be staged across South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Namibia. With a renewed focus on aggressive batting and high-velocity pace bowling, the five-time champions enter the tournament looking to reclaim ODI supremacy under the leadership of Pat Cummins.
Travis Head, fresh off a dominant year with the bat, has been appointed vice-captain and will be a key pillar at the top of the order. The squad reflects a clear transition in Australian cricket, blending hardened experience with rising firepower — an evolution shaped by both form and generational change.
One of the most significant developments ahead of this World Cup is the retirement of veteran seamer Josh Hazlewood from ODI cricket. His absence marks the end of an era, but also signals the beginning of a new pace frontier, with Lance Morris and Sean Abbott joining the seasoned Mitchell Starc and Cummins to form a formidable pace quartet suited to southern African conditions.
The batting unit sees Jake Fraser-McGurk, one of the most explosive young openers in world cricket, make his World Cup debut. He will partner Travis Head at the top, while Marnus Labuschagne continues to anchor the middle order. Tim David brings finishing power, and Cameron Green adds depth as a seam-bowling all-rounder. The squad also boasts multi-dimensional options in Matt Short and Marcus Stoinis, enhancing flexibility across both batting and bowling departments.
In the spin department, Adam Zampa remains Australia’s go-to leg-spinner, backed by the exciting young leggie Tanveer Sangha, who has impressed selectors with his control and temperament.
Behind the stumps, Josh Inglis and Alex Carey will share wicketkeeping duties, providing options in team balance depending on conditions.
With a strong blend of experience, youthful energy, and tactical versatility, Australia’s 2027 squad looks built not just to compete, but to contend fiercely for a sixth World Cup crown.
Captain: Pat Cummins Vice-Captain: Travis Head
Main Squad (15 Players)
Batters
- Travis Head (VC) – Opener
- Jake Fraser-McGurk – Opener / Aggressive
- Marnus Labuschagne – Top-order Anchor
- Tim David – Middle-order Finisher
Wicketkeeper-Batsmen
- Josh Inglis
- Alex Carey
All-Rounders
- Cameron Green – Batting All-rounder / Seam
- Marcus Stoinis – Batting All-rounder / Seam
- Matt Short – Top-order / Off-spin
Afghanistan Announce 2027 World Cup Squad; Shahidi to Lead, Rashid Named Vice-Captain
Afghanistan have officially named their 15-member squad for the ICC Cricket World Cup 2027, with seasoned left-handed batter Hashmatullah Shahidi taking charge as captain. In a significant move, star leg-spinner Rashid Khan has been appointed vice-captain, reaffirming his standing as a key figure in Afghan cricket leadership. The squad reflects a careful balance of experience, youth, and tactical depth as the team looks to make a lasting impact on cricket’s biggest stage.
At the top of the order, the reliable pair of Ibrahim Zadran and Rahmanullah Gurbaz will be expected to give Afghanistan strong starts. Zadran, known for his temperament and consistency in anchoring the innings, pairs well with the dynamic Gurbaz, whose aggressive strokeplay and fearless approach can take advantage of powerplay restrictions. The two have formed a formidable partnership over the past few seasons and will be central to Afghanistan’s campaign.
The middle-order is bolstered by the inclusion of talented young batters Mohammad Ishaq and Ikram Alikhil. Both players have emerged from Afghanistan’s strong youth system and domestic circuit, with Ishaq particularly catching the eye with his performances in the 2026 ACC Emerging Teams Asia Cup. Alikhil, a technically sound left-hander and dependable wicketkeeper, adds stability and versatility to the batting unit.
The all-round options are led by Azmatullah Omarzai, who has grown into a key figure in Afghanistan’s ODI setup with his ability to contribute with both bat and ball. His pace bowling provides crucial support with the new ball, while his batting often comes in handy in the lower middle-order. Gulbadin Naib, one of the senior-most members of the squad, brings valuable experience and depth. His leadership skills and ability to chip in with useful overs make him a critical asset, especially in pressure situations.
Afghanistan’s spin attack continues to be one of the most feared in world cricket. Rashid Khan remains the spearhead of the unit, with his unmatched control, variations, and experience in global conditions. Alongside him, left-arm wrist-spinner Noor Ahmad and leg-spinner Qais Ahmad offer variety and youthful energy. Both have been part of franchise leagues around the world and bring with them not only mystery but also the adaptability required for South African pitches, which may offer turn as the tournament progresses.
The fast-bowling unit is led by the left-arm seamer Fazalhaq Farooqi, whose ability to swing the new ball and bowl at the death makes him a key weapon. He is supported by Mohammad Saleem Safi, a lively right-arm pacer known for his pace and bounce, and Abdul Rahman, who brings accuracy and discipline to the attack. This pace trio gives Afghanistan the firepower necessary to compete in seam-friendly conditions expected in venues like Johannesburg, Centurion, and Durban.
Overall, this squad represents a new era for Afghanistan cricket—one that blends the leadership of seasoned campaigners with the spark of emerging stars. With a strong spin core, promising pace stocks, and fearless batters, Afghanistan will aim not just to compete but to challenge the traditional giants of world cricket. The 2027 edition of the World Cup could well be another milestone in the rise of Afghan cricket on the global stage.
Pakistan Finalize 2027 World Cup Squad; Rizwan to Lead, Salman Agha Named Vice-Captain
Pakistan have officially confirmed their 15-member squad for the ICC Cricket World Cup 2027, with Mohammad Rizwan continuing as captain and Salman Agha appointed as vice-captain. The decision reflects a vote of confidence in Rizwan’s leadership, which has guided Pakistan through recent years with stability and purpose.
The squad showcases a mix of experienced campaigners and exciting new talents. Babar Azam, though no longer part of the leadership structure, remains the batting mainstay. The presence of Shaheen Shah Afridi and Shadab Khan ensures experience in both pace and spin departments, while younger stars like Saim Ayub and Mohammad Haris bring attacking flair to the batting order.
One of the notable selections is that of Sufiyan Muqeem, a rising left-arm wrist spinner who has impressed in recent domestic and franchise cricket. His inclusion alongside Abrar Ahmed gives Pakistan a versatile spin unit, crucial for conditions in Zimbabwe and Namibia—co-hosts of this year’s World Cup along with South Africa.
Khushdil Shah returns to bolster the all-round options, adding power-hitting depth in the middle order. Faheem Ashraf also makes a comeback, offering valuable seam-bowling all-round strength and experience on Southern African pitches.
The squad’s balance reflects a clear strategy by the selectors to combine match-winning experience with fearless youth, aiming to mount a serious challenge for the title.
Captain: Mohammad Rizwan Vice-Captain: Salman Agha
Main Squad (15 Players)
Batters
- Babar Azam – Top-order
- Saim Ayub – Opener
- Fakhar Zaman – Opener
- Mohammad Haris – Aggressive Middle-order / Wicketkeeper option
Wicketkeeper
- Mohammad Rizwan (C) – Wicketkeeper-Batsman
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West Indies
