Western Cape Government supports preparations for 2027 Cricket World Cup

The Western Cape Government has committed R15-million to support upgrades at both World Sports Betting (WSB) Newlands Cricket Ground and Boland Park in Paarl, where some of the tournament’s matches will be hosted.

On Thursday the Department of Cultural Affairs and Sport signed Memoranda of Agreement (MOAs) with the Western Province Cricket Association (WPCA) and Cricket Boland to formalise financial support for the necessary infrastructure work in preparation for the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2027, part of which will be hosted in South Africa.

The Provincial Minister of Cultural Affairs and Sport, Ricardo Mackenzie, said: “The Western Cape has shown that we are capable of successfully hosting World Cup events and we look forward to seeing the Cricket World Cup here 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. The Western Cape Government is proud to contribute to ensure that our stadiums are ready for this exciting event.”

WPCA CEO Corrie van Zyl said: "We are grateful for the Western Cape Government’s support, which ensures that WSB Newlands Cricket Ground will be ready to host world-class cricket. This investment strengthens our ability to deliver a memorable World Cup experience for players, fans, and the broader community."

The WPCA President, Johannes Adams, said: "The partnership between government and cricket is vital to the success of major events. We thank the Western Cape Government for their commitment, which not only benefits the World Cup but also leaves a lasting legacy for cricket in our province."

Boland Cricket expressed their appreciation for the funding: “The Western Cape Government’s investment in a dedicated purpose-built Player/Match Officials area at Boland Park is more than preparation for the Cricket World Cup – it is a lasting commitment to world-class facilities that will serve athletes, officials and our community for generations to come.”

The World Cup tournament is scheduled to be played across South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Namibia in October and November 2027.

Meanwhile, the Western Province Cricket Association (WPCA) has proudly congratulated the players from World Sports Betting Western Province Men and Women following the announcement of the Cricket South Africa (CSA) Proteas Men’s and Proteas Women’s contracted squads for the 2026/27 season.

The latest national contracts reflect the continued excellence and consistency of WSB Western Province’s talent pipeline, with several players earning well-deserved recognition at the highest level of the game.

In the Proteas Men’s contracted squad for 2026/27, WPCA celebrated the inclusion of David Bedingham, Tony de Zorzi and Kyle Verreynne. Their selection comes at a crucial time, as the Proteas Test side continues its ICC World Test Championship title defence, while the One-Day International (ODI) squad builds towards the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2027 on home soil.

Further recognition of WPCA’s depth is reflected in the introduction of the Players of National Interest (PONIs), a new initiative aimed at strengthening the national succession pipeline across all formats. WPCA is proud to see Nandre Burger included in this group, underlining his growing impact and future potential on the national stage.

The contracts, which run from 1 June 2026 to 31 May 2027, will see the Proteas Men compete in a demanding international schedule, including bilateral home series against Australia, Bangladesh and England, as well as an away tour to Sri Lanka.

On the women’s side, WPCA celebrated the continued excellence of Nadine de Klerk and Marizanne Kapp, both of whom have been named in the Proteas Women’s contracted squad for the upcoming season. Their selection comes ahead of a significant campaign highlighted by the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026 in England, along with inbound tours against India and Australia.

Van Zyl praised the players for their achievements: “We warmly congratulate the WSB WP men’s and women’s players who have earned national contracts for the 2026/27 season. Their achievement is a testament to the talent, dedication and professionalism they bring to the Proteas and Western Province Cricket. These players have consistently contributed to the success of the team, inspiring teammates and supporters alike and their recognition at national level reflects both their individual excellence and the strength of our cricketing structures. We are proud of their journey and look forward to seeing them continue to make a significant impact on the field for the Proteas and the WSB WP Team.”