Graeme Smith relishes 50-over World Cup return to African soil | ICC Cricket World Cup, 2027

Smith also underlined why the Cricket World Cup continues to hold a unique place in world cricket despite the sport’s evolving landscape. 

The 2027 edition will be the 14th Men’s Cricket World Cup and the first to feature 14 teams since 2015. Smith went on to compare the success of the recently-concluded FIFA World Cup 2026, where 48 teams took part to make the event a massive success.

“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 think 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.”