Paarl’s Boland Park will welcome international cricket fans when it becomes one of the venues for the 2027 ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup, which will be hosted across South Africa, Namibia and Zimbabwe.
The selection is a major milestone for Drakenstein Municipality and Boland Cricket, with the municipality positioning Paarl as a destination for international sport, tourism and major events.
Drakenstein Municipality confirmed that it is one of eight cities selected by the International Cricket Council to host matches during the tournament.
Preparations at Boland Park have included infrastructure improvements undertaken through a partnership between Drakenstein Municipality and Boland Cricket. According to Boland Cricket CEO James Fortuin, approximately R30 million is being invested in upgrades, including improvements to the lighting and playing field, as well as a new player management area that will provide changing facilities for participating teams.
Boland Park has an established international cricket history. The venue made its international debut in 1997 and has hosted matches at previous ICC events. The ICC describes the stadium as a venue surrounded by the Boland mountains, with grassed embankments that contribute to its distinctive spectator experience.
The 2027 World Cup will also bring activity beyond Boland Park, with the Parys Cricket Ground in Paarl designated as a secondary venue that could be used for warm up or exhibition matches.
Drakenstein officials expect the tournament to create opportunities for local businesses, particularly restaurants, accommodation providers, tourism operators and other visitor focused businesses.
Executive Mayor Stephen Korabie said hosting World Cup matches would give Drakenstein an opportunity to showcase its facilities, hospitality and natural surroundings to an international audience.
The 2027 ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup will feature 14 teams and is scheduled to take place in October and November 2027.
