The Western Cape Government has committed R15 million to upgrade key cricket venues ahead of the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2027, with matches set to be hosted in the province. Funding will support infrastructure improvements at Newlands Cricket Ground and Boland Park, two venues selected to host matches during the global tournament.
The Department of Cultural Affairs and Sport signed Memoranda of Agreement with the Western Province Cricket Association and Boland Cricket to formalise funding for infrastructure upgrades. According to the Western Cape Government, the province has a strong track record of hosting major international events.
Boosting the Local Economy
Provincial Minister Ricardo Mackenzie said the province has shown that it is capable of successfully hosting World Cup events and looks forward to seeing the Cricket World Cup in the Western Cape next year. “These kinds of events help to support our local economy as they not only bring economic investment, but they also support job creation,” Mackenzie said.
The investment forms part of a broader push to position the province as a leading destination for global sport, with officials saying the event is expected to support tourism, infrastructure investment and job creation. Corrie van Zyl, CEO of the Western Province Cricket Association, said the funding would help ensure Newlands Cricket Ground remains ready to host international cricket.
Upgrades and Improvements
The upgrades will include a purpose-built player and match officials’ facility at Boland Park, which is described as a lasting investment in both the sport and the local community. The inclusion of Paarl as a host venue reflects efforts to spread the benefits of major events beyond Cape Town, bringing international exposure and infrastructure upgrades to regional centres.
Some of the key benefits of the upgrades include:
- Improved infrastructure for international cricket matches
- Increased economic investment in the local community
- Job creation opportunities in the tourism and hospitality sectors
- Enhanced reputation for the Western Cape as a destination for global sport
The 2027 tournament, hosted by the International Cricket Council, will be played across South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia in October and November. For the Western Cape, the upgrades form part of ongoing preparations to ensure facilities meet international standards while leaving a lasting legacy for cricket in the province.
