The 2023 ICC Cricket World Cup is just around the corner, so here is all the information you need to know as South Africa look to land their first title.
Where: Matches will be spread all over the length and breadth of India, from Chennai in the south to Dharamshala in the north, Kolkata in the east, to Ahmedabad in the west.
The host cities are Ahmedabad, Bengaluru, Chennai, Dharamshala, Hyderabad, Kolkata, Lucknow, New Delhi, Mumbai, and Pune.
Format and schedule
The first stage of the ODI tournament will be a round-robin format where all teams will play each other once, resulting in 45 matches. The first phase will conclude on November 12 with a match between India and Netherlands in Bengaluru.
If teams are on equal points at the end of the group stage, their placing will be determined by net run rate. First place will play fourth place and second will take on third in the semifinals, with the winners of each match qualifying for the November 19 final.
Any matches that ending in a tie, including during the group stage, will be decided by a Super Over. If the Super Over is also tied, they will immediately play another Super Over.
Reserve days have been allocated for the semifinals and final.
Dates: 5 October to 19 November
The opening game will see England take on New Zealand in Sardar Patel Stadium, Ahmedabad on Thursday, 5 October, and the 48th and final match will take place on Sunday, 19 November.
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How to watch
Apart from a dedicated 24-hour channel on Premium (SS Cricket), selected matches will be broadcast on Grandstand, supplemented by 13-minute and 52-minute highlight packages for every match (available on Catch Up).
All fixtures will feature live build-ups from venues, with a review on all Proteas matches, plus the playoffs. Guests on the traditional wrap show will be Chris Morris, Vernon Philander, Ashwell Prince, Russell Domingo, Khaya Zondo, Herschelle Gibbs, Dane van Niekerk and Sinalo Jafta.
Commentary
All nine round-robin matches involving SA will enjoy English, Afrikaans, and Xhosa commentary options, which will also be the case with several other high profile fixtures and the playoffs.
The international commentary panel will include many of cricket’s legendary figures, among them Michael Atherton, Ian Smith, Pommie Mbangwa, Ravi Shastri, Ian Bishop, Sanjay Manjrekar and Waqar Younis.
South Africa will be well represented, too, with Graeme Smith, Shaun Pollock. Dale Steyn, Kass Naidoo and Crystal Arnold all on commentary duty in India.
Mayibuye
Cricket will have its own “Mayibuye” show for the duration of the World Cup.
The isiXhosa show, to be hosted by Mluleki Ntsabo and Six Sotyelelwa, will be broadcast on SuperSport Variety 4 following the post-match wraps on Proteas fixtures, plus both semifinals and the final.
The focus will be primarily on Proteas matches and upcoming CWC fixtures.
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SA FOCUS
The Temba Bavuma-led Proteas open their campaign on 7 October against Sri Lanka, with their final group match on 10 November when they face Afghanistan.
Their full group itinerary is detailed below:
Other broadcast highlights include:
- 30-minute build-up featuring the live toss, captains’ interviews, pitch report and team/player features.
- Change of innings interval programme, including a review of the first innings and a preview of the second. There will also be engaging feature content and analysis segments.
- The wrap will include the captains’ chat, a brief round-up of the match and a look ahead to the next match, before ending with a match closer.
- SuperSport will host a wrap show during Proteas matches, semis and final.
So there it is, a non-stop blockbuster of a tournament, with matches every day from 5 October until 12 November. All in all, there are 48 matches in 46 days. Think you can handle this?! Then click on the banner below and get connected to DStv Premium.
Previous winners
2019: England
2015: Australia
2011: India
2007: Australia
2003: Australia
1999: Australia
1996: Sri Lanka
1992: Pakistan
1987: Australia
1983: India
1979: West Indies
1975: West Indies