By Ashok Ramsarup :: Former South African Finance Minister Trevor Manuel has been appointed chair to the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2027 Local Organising Committee Board (LOCB).  Cricket South Africa (CSA) announced the 15-member board yesterday.

The board include four CSA members, two provincial presidents, seven independent directors and two appointees made by the ministry. The Committee will oversee the 2027 tournament being by South Africa, Namibia and Zimbabwe.

In a media statement, CSA said: “Manuel brings a rich background of government leadership, where he led economic reform and national development planning. His leadership reflects the discipline and strategy essential in both sport and board governance.”

 CSA said Manuel was fully supported by six Independent Non-Executive Directors, five Non-Independent Non-Executive Directors, and three Ex-Officio members, making up the full Board.

“With 2027 fast approaching, the Board has been entrusted with organising a memorable Cricket World Cup and bringing CSA’s vision to life. The Board brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise across a range of areas, including finance, education, law, and strategic thinking,” CSA said.  

 It believes that the CWC 2027 presented a unique opportunity to expand the reach and participation of cricket across Southern Africa, while showcasing the region’s rich cultural identity through a memorable and distinctly African event experience. By introducing cricket to non-traditional areas, CSA aims to grow the sport in alignment with its strategic pillar of inclusivity and access.

 CSA, along with host venue countries Zimbabwe and Namibia, is now focused on delivering a bold and unifying event across the host cities, including Johannesburg, Pretoria, Cape Town, Durban, Gqeberha, Bloemfontein, East London, and Paarl, where 44 matches will be hosted, with a further 10 matches being hosted in Zimbabwe and Namibia.

Speaking at a media conference, Manuel said he was involved in many portfolios which included being part of the United Democratic Movement, Minister in South Africa’s democratic government, serving as Minister of Trade, and Minister of Finance.  This is the first time he’s involved in a major sport. He said: “This is a nation-building exercise despite trying to do this late in my life.”

CSA President Rihan Richards said: “24 years have passed since the last ICC CWC tournament took place on African soil. This makes the 2027 CWC a sought-after opportunity to create a unique platform for attracting new fans while engaging existing fans through digital innovation, connecting with the African continent, and the world.”

CSA Board Chairperson, Pearl Maphoshe said: “CSA’s vision is to stage a global, inspiring event which will reflect the face of South Africa – diverse, inclusive, and united. “The tournament will be vibrantly different in its style and atmosphere, and its experiences. It will provide players, fans, and partners with the most unique, unforgettable experience,” Maphoshe said.

The CRICKET WORLD CUP 2027 Local Organising Committee Board of Directors are:-

Trevor Manuel, Independent Chairman of the Board

Johannes Adams, Non-Independent Non-Executive Director

Yunus Bobat, Non-Independent Non-Executive Director

Herman Bosman, Independent Non-Executive Director

Vuyani Jarana, Non-Independent Non-Executive Director

Nomfanelo Magwentshu, Independent Non-Executive Director

Dr. Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka, Independent Non-Executive Director

Ravi Naidoo, Independent Non-Executive Director

Dr. Stavros Nicolaou, Independent Non-Executive Director

Advocate Philip October, Non-Independent Non-Executive Director

Advocate Karrisha Pillay SC, Independent Non-Executive Director

Unathi Matthew Tshotwana, Non-Independent Non-Executive Director

EX OFFICIO

Pholetsi Moseki, Ex-Officio – Chief Executive Officer CSA

Tjaart van der Walt, Ex-Officio – Chief Financial Officer CSA

Refentse Shinners, Ex-Officio – Public Affairs Executive CSA