Were going to defend this fortress : Kagiso Rabada on playing 2027 ODI World Cup at home

South Africa fast bowler Kagiso Rabada says playing the 2027 Cricket World Cup on home soil will give the Proteas a sense of freedom rather than create additional pressure as they chase their first men’s 50-over World Cup title. South Africa will co-host the 14th edition of the tournament with Zimbabwe and Namibia next year, with Rabada relishing the opportunity to represent his country in front of home supporters. The Proteas will enter the tournament with confidence after a period of strong performances across formats, highlighted by their victory over Australia in the World Test Championship final at Lord’s in 2025.

Those results have raised expectations around South Africa, but Rabada does not believe that will weigh on the team when the World Cup begins. “Well, I think there’s a lot more to it at the moment with us hosting it,” Rabada told the ICC at the official Cricket World Cup 2027 venue and brand announcement event in Johannesburg recently. I don’t feel the pressure of us playing at home and feeling the need to win it.

“It’s almost like, we’re at home and we’re going to defend this fortress. It’s about representing the badge.” Rabada has represented South Africa at the 2019 and 2023 editions of the 50-over World Cup, but one of his most enduring memories of the tournament comes from the 1992 final, played before he was born. The fast bowler singled out Pakistan great Wasim Akram’s match-winning performance against England at the Melbourne Cricket Ground as a moment that continues to inspire him.

Akram played a decisive role in Pakistan’s 22-run victory, taking three wickets as Imran Khan’s side secured their maiden World Cup title. For Rabada, Akram’s combination of pace, skill and intensity made the performance particularly memorable. “One World Cup moment from the past that I’ll never forget, because I’m a bowler, I’m going to go to the bowlers’ club was Wasim Akram against England in the final,” Rabada said.

“Him just cleaning up (the stumps) and putting on a show to take it home for his country and showing the passion and the skill. “He was fast, had so much skill, and just had this presence, this heightened energy about him that he was there to play.” Rabada hopes South Africa can produce a similarly decisive performance when the tournament arrives on home soil in 2027.