CAPE TOWN – The National Lotteries Commission (NLC) has invested more than R65 million in South Africa’s preparations for the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2027, supporting stadium upgrades and long-term cricket development across the country.

Western Cape Minister of Cultural Affairs and Sport Ricardo Mackenzie welcomed the investment during a handover to Cricket South Africa at Newlands Cricket Ground in Cape Town on Wednesday 7 October.

The funding builds on the R15 million invested by the Western Cape Government in cricket infrastructure in April. Western Province Cricket Association and Cricket Boland each received R7.5 million to support infrastructure at Newlands and Boland Park in Paarl, the province’s two World Cup venues.

“When we invested R15 million earlier this year, we were investing in what remains after the tournament is over,” said Mackenzie.

“Together, we are building infrastructure that will welcome the world in 2027 while creating opportunities for our young people and communities for years to come. The World Cup will last seven weeks, but its legacy must last a generation.”

The minister thanked NLC commissioner Jodi Scholtz, Cricket South Africa and Western Province Cricket Association for their contributions to the game.

Funding supports cricket development

The latest investment will fund stadium infrastructure upgrades in six World Cup host provinces, as well as cricket development and legacy projects across all nine provinces.

The projects will benefit young people, community cricket clubs, coaches and Cricket South Africa’s network of 70 cricket hubs.

Cricket South Africa chief financial officer Tjaart van der Walt said the funding would help ensure the country was ready to host the international tournament while strengthening cricket infrastructure for the future.

“These upgrades will help us deliver a world-class Cricket World Cup in 2027, and they will serve our players, provinces and supporters long after the last over,” said Van der Walt.

The tournament will run from 2 October to 21 November 2027, with South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia sharing hosting duties. Newlands will host the opening match and the first semi-final.

Inspiring the next generation

Mackenzie also highlighted the role major sporting events can play in inspiring young people and opening doors to new opportunities.

Reflecting on his own experience of attending the 1995 Rugby World Cup as a young boy, he recalled travelling by train to Newlands to watch the Springboks play Romania.

“It opened my eyes to a world far bigger than the one I knew, and it shaped my belief that people need access to opportunity to succeed,” he said.

“I am not here because I am better than anyone. I had access to opportunity, and I want more young people to discover and fall in love with this game, long after the final ball has been bowled.”

The Western Cape Department of Cultural Affairs and Sport is also exploring ways to use the province’s 373 public libraries as access points for young people to read and learn about cricket.

The NLC handover formed part of a working visit to the Western Cape from 5 to 8 October, hosted by Mackenzie and the department. Discussions focused on opportunities to strengthen investment and collaboration in sport, arts and culture across the province.

ALSO READ: Western Cape commits R15 million for 2027 Cricket World Cup venues