Former South African captain Graeme Smith has expressed excitement as the ODI World Cup finally returns to Africa after more than two decades. South Africa and Zimbabwe co-hosted the ODI World Cup in 2023 with India and Australia making the final.

The upcoming edition will see South Africa host matches across eight venues, while Zimbabwe will stage games at three venues. Namibia has been assigned one venue by the International Cricket Council.

Graeme Smith said at the unveiling of 12 venues in Johannesburg, “It’s been a long time coming since Africa or South Africa hosted a men’s world cricket event again,” Smith said on a star-studded evening in Johannesburg which marked the announcement of the 12 venues that will stage the competition.

“I think the vibrancy of these three nations, the quality of players, the fan base certainly deserves a world event in the game, so it’s great to have it back.”

While comparing the ODI World Cup with the recently concluded FIFA World Cup, where 48 teams took part, Smith said expanding the tournament to 14 teams will help the game globally.

“We’ve just come off a football World Cup where you’ve seen a massive amount of nations compete and the cultures and the coming together of many different countries getting behind their teams,” he added.

“It’s amazing. With 14 teams now, you hope that many people decide to come and travel to South Africa and be a part of the event.

“I think from a world sporting event perspective, most World Cups happen every four-year cycle. It’s seen as the event to win. It’s obviously got a lot more tradition, a lot more stature. I still when you get to this ODI World Cup it’s going to be intense, the fandom is going to be great. I think it’s the one that everyone wants to get their hands on.”

The ODI World Cup 2027 will run from October 4 to November 21.