The three ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2027 hosts will participate in a historic T20I tri-series later this month.
Zimbabwe, South Africa and Namibia will feature in the tri-series, scheduled to begin on August 28 in the Namibian capital city of Windhoek, laying the foundation for the launch of the Africa Cup next year.
The series offers an early taste for next year's Cricket World Cup, which will mark the return of the tournament to the African continent after 24 years.
“This tournament marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter for African cricket” the Africa Cricket Association chairman, Tavengwa Mukuhlani, said.
“By bringing Zimbabwe, South Africa and Namibia together in regular, competitive international cricket, we are laying the foundation for something much bigger for our continent.
“Our vision is to launch the Africa Cup in 2027 and gradually build it into African cricket’s flagship international tournament.”
Cricket South Africa Chief Executive Officer Pholetsi Moseki added: “We are excited to be part of this white-ball tour, which not only further demonstrates our commitment to strengthening the game in our neighbouring countries, but also builds excitement ahead of next year’s ICC Men's Cricket World Cup, which will be co-hosted by all three nations.”
Cricket Namibia Chief Executive Officer Johan Muller said: “We are immensely grateful to Cricket South Africa and Zimbabwe Cricket for their commitment to this series, which reflects the strong partnership and shared vision to grow cricket across the African continent.
South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia will host next year's ICC Men's Cricket World Cup in October and November.
Recently, 12 venues across the three countries were named as the hosts for next year's tournament.
While South Africa and Zimbabwe had hosted the previous edition of the tournament, which was hosted in Africa back in 2003, it will be the first time Namibia play host to the marquee tournament, having hosted the ICC Men's Under-19 Cricket World Cup earlier this year.
TRI-SERIES SCHEDULE:
28 August: South Africa v Namibia
29 August: South Africa v Zimbabwe
31 August: Zimbabwe v Namibia
1 September: Zimbabwe v South Africa
3 September: Namibia v Zimbabwe
4 September: Namibia v South Africa
6 September: Final (top two teams)