"Return of World Cup to Africa after 24 years a landmark milestone": ICC chairman Jay Shah

ICC Chairman Jay Shah has declared the return of the Cricket World Cup to Africa as a landmark milestone for the sport, marking a significant moment in international cricket's evolution. The continental return comes 24 years after South Africa last hosted the tournament in 1999, when the Proteas reached the final before falling to Australia. This resumption of the World Cup on African soil represents a pivotal shift in the sport's global distribution, reinforcing the ICC's commitment to expanding cricket's footprint across diverse regions and strengthening the competitive foundation of African nations in one of sport's premier tournaments.

Africa's cricket landscape has undergone substantial transformation since the last World Cup hosting, with nations like South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Kenya establishing themselves as consistent international competitors. South Africa has produced world-class players and maintains a strong ICC ranking, while emerging teams have developed robust domestic structures and youth academies. The tournament's return provides critical infrastructure investment, broadcast exposure, and economic stimulus to the host nation, while creating unprecedented opportunities for African cricketers to compete at the highest level before their home audiences. This event reinforces cricket's position as a truly global sport, moving beyond traditional strongholds in the Indian subcontinent and the Caribbean.

The African World Cup hosting is expected to generate substantial revenues through ticket sales, sponsorships, and global broadcasting rights, with projections suggesting economic benefits exceeding previous tournament cycles. Beyond immediate financial gains, the tournament will accelerate grassroots cricket development across the continent, inspire younger generations, and elevate African teams' competitive standing in ICC rankings. This milestone establishes a precedent for rotating major cricket events across underrepresented regions, potentially paving the way for future tournaments in emerging cricket nations. The successful execution of this World Cup will demonstrate Africa's capacity to manage large-scale international sporting events while nurturing homegrown talent that can compete against established cricket powers.