Victoria Falls Cricket Stadium Targets 2027 World Cup Debut as Construction Nears Finish

By Staff Reporter

Zimbabwe’s new Mosi-oa-Tunya International Cricket Stadium in Victoria Falls is nearing completion, with major construction work largely finished ahead of the country’s co-hosting of the 2027 ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup.

The stadium is expected to host its first World Cup match on 24 October 2027, when Zimbabwe face India in a group-stage encounter. It is also scheduled to stage three Super 7 matches on 28 and 30 October and 1 November.

Zimbabwe Cricket (ZC) says the project has entered its final phase, with workers concentrating on finishing touches before the facility undergoes trial matches and preparations for international competition.

## Final Works Underway

The International Cricket Council (ICC) says major structures and essential facilities at the new venue are substantially complete. These include the media and broadcast centres, changing rooms, medical facilities, grandstands and grass banks.

Remaining work includes roofing, installing bucket seats and completing other outstanding features. Corporate gazebos are also expected to be installed as construction progresses towards the final stages.

Zimbabwe Cricket managing director Givemore Makoni said the main building work was almost complete, with attention now focused on finishing the venue.

He said all outstanding materials had been delivered, allowing contractors to concentrate on bringing the different sections of the stadium together.

Full completion is targeted for mid-2027, ahead of an international series expected to provide an opportunity to test the venue and its match-day operations.

An initial trial match will help officials assess the playing surface, facilities and arrangements required to host international fixtures.

The Victoria Falls stadium will make its World Cup debut when Zimbabwe take on India on 24 October 2027.

Three additional Super 7 fixtures are scheduled at the venue, positioning the tourist city as one of Zimbabwe’s key destinations during the global cricket tournament.

The stadium is also expected to boost tourism by giving visiting cricket supporters an opportunity to combine matches with trips to Victoria Falls, one of southern Africa’s leading tourist attractions.

ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2027 tournament director Sarah Edgar welcomed the progress made during recent inspections of Zimbabwe’s host cities.

She said work was progressing towards meeting the baseline requirements needed to bring the venues up to the standards expected for the tournament.

Edgar also highlighted Victoria Falls’ tourism appeal, noting that the destination could offer international fans an experience that combines world-class cricket with sightseeing.

The Victoria Falls project was among the developments assessed during an ICC inspection of Zimbabwe’s three host cities: Harare, Bulawayo and Victoria Falls.

The inspection began at Takashinga Cricket Club in Harare, which is being considered for warm-up matches, before moving to Harare Sports Club, Victoria Falls and Queens Sports Club in Bulawayo.

Edgar and Zimbabwe tournament director Hamilton Masakadza led the inspection team, assessing progress and identifying areas requiring further work before the tournament.

While Victoria Falls is receiving a new stadium, preparations at the established venues in Harare and Bulawayo mainly involve upgrading existing facilities to meet modern international standards.

Selected stands at Harare Sports Club and Queens Sports Club are expected to be fitted with bucket seats. Floodlights are also planned for Queens Sports Club and the Victoria Falls stadium.

# Victoria Falls Cricket Stadium Targets 2027 World Cup Debut as Construction Nears Finish

With the 2027 tournament approaching, the stadium project and upgrades at established cricket grounds form part of Zimbabwe’s preparations to welcome the world’s leading teams and supporters.