The Etkiweni Municipality in Durban intends to begin negotiations with Cricket South Africa to conclude an agreement for the city to host the ICC Cricket World Cup in October 2027. To this end, the municipality will present a non-binding Memorandum of Understanding (MOU).
Funding and Venue
The city has allocated a budget of R600,000 to cover expenses related to the preparation and fulfillment of the host city's obligations. Matches in Durban are expected to take place at the Hollywoodbets Kingsmead Cricket Stadium.
Opportunities for the City
The Etkiweni Public Services Committee reported to the council on Tuesday that this tournament provides the municipality with a significant opportunity to position Durban as a leading international center for sports tourism and investment. The municipality plans to play a key role in the successful execution of the event through various programs and municipal services.
Planned Programs and Benefits
These programs include public awareness and participation initiatives, city beautification programs, management of public spaces, fan event support, volunteer mobilization, cultural projects, and long-term legacy projects aimed at benefiting the local community. The municipality emphasized that hosting matches within this globally recognized sporting event should bring substantial economic, social, and reputational benefits to the city.
Attention and Economic Impact
According to the report, the tournament will attract the attention of international media, visitors, commercial partners, and sports stakeholders, providing Durban with a unique platform to showcase its tourist attractions, cultural heritage, sports infrastructure, investment opportunities, and capacity to host major events before a global audience. The municipality forecasts that the event will stimulate economic activity by increasing visitor spending in accommodation, hospitality, retail, transport, and entertainment sectors, thereby creating opportunities for local entrepreneurs and service providers. Furthermore, the tournament will contribute to tourism growth, job creation, skills development, and strengthening the municipality's international image.
Host City Requirements
As part of the proposed agreement, the host city will be required to implement a city branding program, maintain and improve strategically important public areas, support fan parks and viewing areas, participate in coordinating security and safety matters, and ensure transport accessibility. It will also be necessary to support the protection of the tournament's commercial rights through the application of relevant ordinances and regulations.
Focus on Safety and Logistics
The municipality stated that special attention will be paid to key visitation zones, including areas around the stadium, transport hubs, waterfronts, tourist attractions, and main access roads, to ensure that Durban presents a welcoming, safe, and attractive environment for both residents and guests. The Etkiweni Executive Committee requested a list of areas where activation programs will be held throughout Etkiweni. According to Cricket South Africa, eight venues in South Africa have been confirmed for the 2027 Cricket World Cup.
International Participation in the Tournament
In addition to South African stadiums, matches will also take place in Zimbabwe and Namibia, which will co-host the tournament. According to a media statement, the eight South African venues were selected based on what was described as 'scientific reasons,' including proximity to airports and availability of hotel rooms.