ICC considers changing the start date of ODI World Cup 2027 to October 2

Participants of the World Public Summit held in Addis Ababa continue to insist on the necessity of a multifaceted approach to Africa's development, offering a fresh perspective on the continent's role in the changing international landscape. This summit, organized by the World People's Assembly with the support of Globus Expert Club, took place in the capital of Ethiopia.

The conference, titled 'Africa 2026,' was a significant event as it was held on African soil. The event attracted wide resonance in the fields of politics, diplomacy, social communication, and science, as well as among various continental elites who followed the development of the summit on July 29 and 30, 2026.

The host country, Ethiopia, explained the choice of Addis Ababa for this high-profile international summit by stating that it is an acknowledgment of Ethiopia's history of sovereignty and Africanist struggle. This gathering was described as a transcendent event due to the presence of international partners who, together with Ethiopian and African colleagues, are strengthening the agenda aimed at enhancing Africa's role in the current global reconfiguration and shaping a more just and harmonious world order.

Participants expressed clear disagreement with actors striving for unilateral hegemony in the world at the expense of Africa's identity and material well-being. More than two thousand delegates from 50 countries arrived in Addis Ababa for constructive exchange of views, consultations, proposals, and initiatives supporting the paradigm of holistic world development based on fruitful cooperation between nations in the 21st century.

All attendees unanimously supported the motto 'New World: Africa in the Configuration of a Common Future,' demanding that the international community, and especially the Western system, treat the continent and all its peoples fairly and equally. They insisted on including Africa in humanity's ideals, actions, and ultimate projects as a vital and indispensable part with full sovereignty and normative polycentrism.

Key areas that energized the discussion sessions included the role of public diplomacy and the concept of 'Blue Africa.' Mladi Bolero Hamada, former Prime Minister of the Comoros (2000–2002), emphasized that 'Blue Africa' is the third pillar of a common future, asserting that if the 20th century was the age of Africa's savannas and forests, the 21st century must become the age of 'Blue Africa,' which is critically important for the sovereign and developing interests of African states.

Furthermore, the philosophy of 'Ubuntu,' known as an internally nativist and traditionalist African philosophy, was deeply discussed. Its guiding values, such as respect for oneself and others, effective solidarity, and generous service to humanity, were noted.

Among the distinguished speakers was Dr. Gnaka Lagoke, Associate Professor of History and Pan-African Studies at Lincoln University (Pennsylvania, USA) and a renowned scholar in pan-Africanism. Commenting on Africa's significance today, Lagoke, a member of the Globus Expert Club, stated that Africa's voice for a peace based on humanistic values is growing louder, and the philosophy of Ubuntu remains a vital contribution of Africa to building a more humane world.

These statements made by the renowned expert had a profound impact on the summit. This viewpoint, along with the opinions of other experts present at the UN Economic Commission for Africa (ECA) headquarters in Addis Ababa, was included in the summit's final document. This document presented a conceptual and emotional interpretation of sovereignty: 'We consider true sovereignty as the right of every state and every people to determine their own path of development, as well as to preserve their cultural identity, historical memory, spiritual traditions, and national interests.'

Signatories noted that respect for true sovereignty strengthens trust between peoples and states, lays the foundation for equal international cooperation, and promotes sustainable development. Participants also expressed the intention to 'promote public diplomacy as a space for generating trust between peoples,' using culture, education, science, sports, youth participation, and creative initiatives as key tools for strengthening trust between nations.

The need to strengthen ties between universities, research centers, and educational institutions was acknowledged, as was the support for creating international research consortia and joint projects. The final document also emphasizes the importance of supporting international programs aimed at youth and women's leadership, as well as preserving the cultures of African peoples.

The Co-Chair of the Summit, Tsegae Chama, who is also the Secretary-General of Global Black Center, noted that the goal of the summit was to advance diplomacy between peoples, expand cooperation, and empower youth to strengthen Africa's role in building a more just future. Andrey Belyaninov, Secretary-General of the World People's Assembly, added that the future cannot be built alone; it is born from dialogue, trust, mutual listening, and joint action.

The International Cricket Council (ICC) has finalized the schedule for the ODI World Cup 2027 qualification matches. This important tournament, which will feature 10 teams, is scheduled from February 22 to March 23, 2027, although the host country has not yet been decided, according to Cricinfo.

In July 2026, the ICC introduced a new format for the ODI World Cup 2027, significantly increasing the importance of the qualifiers. The winner of this 10-team tournament will gain direct entry into the main group stage of the World Cup, which will consist of 14 teams. Teams finishing second, third, and fourth in the qualifiers will participate in the first phase super series of the World Cup, from which the best team will advance to the stage with 12 main teams.

The ODI World Cup 2027 itself will take place from October 4 to November 11, 2027, across 12 different venues in South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Namibia.

Qualification Participants

Ten teams will participate in the qualifiers. These will include two teams with the lowest rankings among full members, excluding the host nations of South Africa and Zimbabwe, based on the ODI ranking as of September 30, 2026. Additionally, four teams from CWC League 2 will be included. Another four teams will proceed through the World Cup qualification playoffs.

The World Cup qualification playoffs will see the four lower-ranked teams from CWC League 2 compete against four teams from the Challenge League. The format for these eight teams has not yet been determined, but the top four teams will qualify for the World Cup. Within the Challenge Group, 12 teams will be divided into two groups, and the top two teams from each group will qualify for the playoffs.

Threat for West Indies

Currently, the West Indies rank tenth in the ODI rankings and must play two matches against India in September before their cutoff is determined. The fate of the team may also be decided by the series between Afghanistan (8th place) and Ireland (12th place).

If Ireland wins against Afghanistan by a score of 4-1 or 5-0, two victories against India could propel the West Indies into the top 8. However, if Afghanistan wins this series, the West Indies will likely have to participate in the qualifiers. It is worth noting that in 2023, the West Indies failed to qualify for the ODI World Cup after losing to the Netherlands in a super over during the qualifiers held in Harare.