 | Drakenstein hits a six as Boland Park earns Cricket World Cup hosting honours
22 September 2026 | Press Releases |
Paarl's iconic Boland Park Cricket Stadium, framed by majestic mountain ranges and famed for its spirited atmosphere, will welcome the world's cricketing elite after being selected as one of the host venues for the 2027 ICC Cricket World Cup. The announcement marks a major milestone for Drakenstein Municipality and strengthens its growing reputation as a premier destination for international sport, tourism and major events.
“This is a defining moment for Drakenstein. Hosting matches as part of the 2027 ICC Cricket World Cup will place our municipality on one of the biggest sporting stages in the world to showcase our facilities, our hospitality, our natural beauty and our ability to host world-class events," says Councillor Stephen Korabie, Executive Mayor of Drakenstein Municipality.
WATCH: Boland Park: Hosting the World in 2027
Before securing the bid, Drakenstein Municipality partnered with Boland Cricket to invest in Boland Park's infrastructure.
“We established this partnership to ensure the facility is equipped to host cricket at the highest level. One example is the world-class floodlighting that had been installed. These upgrades were specifically aimed at positioning Boland Park as a venue capable of hosting international matches," says the Executive Mayor.
According to James Fortuin, Chief Executive Officer of Boland Cricket, approximately R30 million is being invested to ensure the venue meets the standards required of a World Cup host stadium.
“In addition to the lighting and field upgrades, we are constructing a new player management area that will serve as team changing facilities for participating countries during the tournament," says Fortuin.
Boland Park has steadily strengthened its credentials as an international cricket venue in recent years. In December 2024, it hosted the first One Day International between South Africa and Pakistan, while South Africa Women and Ireland Women contested the second T20 International at the venue in December 2025.
The stadium has also become synonymous with the excitement of the SA20 competition. During the 2024 to 2026 seasons, the Paarl Royals cricket team drew enthusiastic crowds and delivered a string of memorable performances, further cementing Paarl's reputation as one of South Africa's premier cricket destinations.
World Cup activities in Paarl will extend beyond Boland Park. The Parys Cricket Ground in Market Street, Paarl, owned by Drakenstein Municipality and home to the Paarl Cricket Club, has been designated as a secondary venue for the tournament. It may be used by international teams for warm-up and exhibition matches.
A hub for sporting excellence
“Drakenstein is a hub for sporting excellence. We have 52 active sporting codes practised across our municipal area," says Councillor Korabie. “Whatever the sport, chances are it is played here, and at a high level. Sport has the unique ability to unite communities, which is why it remains a key priority for us."
For Drakenstein Municipality, the ICC Cricket World Cup represents far more than a sporting spectacle. It presents a significant economic opportunity that is expected to benefit businesses across the region. The arrival of international teams, media representatives and supporters will generate increased demand for local products, services, accommodation, and visitor experiences.
“The hospitality sector, from restaurants and coffee shops to guesthouses and tourism businesses, can prepare to welcome substantially more visitors. They stand to benefit considerably from the increased economic activity," says Councillor Laurichia van Niekerk, Mayoral Committee Member for Tourism, Sport and Recreation.
“We are also working closely with our tourism partners to ensure that visitors experience everything Drakenstein has to offer, from our natural splendour and outdoor adventures to our food, wine and cultural attractions. We want people to leave with lasting memories of our region, not only of the cricket."
Fortuin believes the tournament will further strengthen the pride and community spirit for which Drakenstein has become known.
“Visitors, players and television commentators regularly remark on the unique atmosphere in Paarl. It is something special, and the World Cup will provide an opportunity for the world to experience it firsthand," he says.
A defining feature of Boland Park is its open grassy embankments, where families and friends gather on picnic blankets, enjoy a kuier atmosphere and watch the action unfold while children play cricket nearby. This relaxed and welcoming environment has become part of the venue's identity and contributes greatly to its distinctive character.
“Let's fill Boland Park and show the world the spirit of Drakenstein," says Councillor Van Niekerk.
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Issued by: Communication and Marketing, Drakenstein Municipality
For media enquiries, contact: Riana Geldenhuys, Manager: Communication and Marketing, Drakenstein Municipality, on 021 807 6390 or 082 460 5554, or riana.geldenhuys@drakenstein.gov.za.
About Drakenstein Municipality
Located an hour's drive from Cape Town in the Western Cape province of South Africa, Drakenstein Municipality is one of the country's most financially sound, well-governed, stable and sustainable municipalities. The Municipality is rated the Best Municipality in the Western Cape for service excellence as well as the Number One Secondary City in South Africa. The 2025 Municipal Financial Sustainability Index (MFSI), widely regarded as one of the most comprehensive assessments of municipal financial sustainability in South Africa, ranks Drakenstein Municipality among the country's five highest-scoring municipalities. This follows a remarkable financial turnaround for the Municipality from 51st place in 2017 to one of the top five in 2025 - according to the independent governance ratings agency, Ratings Afrika.
Drakenstein Municipality has achieved 11 unqualified audit opinions with no findings (clean audits) from the Auditor-General of South Africa. Boasting the largest economy in the Cape Winelands, Drakenstein is home to 311 601 residents and includes the historic Winelands towns of Paarl and Wellington. Embodying its vision of “a city of excellence", the Municipality prides itself on providing its residents, businesses, investors and visitors with excellent services and well-maintained, advanced infrastructure.
As Southern Africa's first self-declared Fair Trade City and the fourth in Africa, Drakenstein Municipality is serious about building a sustainable future and has garnered various awards for its commitment to sustainable and environmentally conscious practices. Drakenstein is also recognised for having one of the highest growth potentials in the Western Cape. As a progressive business and investment area and a city geared for growth, it constantly attracts new development.
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