Kagiso Rabada backs Proteas to revel in home environment at 2027 ICC Men's Cricket World Cup

South Africa will host the 50-over ICC Men's Cricket World Cup in 2027 alongside Zimbabwe and Namibia, with the weight of expectation of the nation on their shoulders.

The Proteas have consistently been one of the stronger cricket-playing nations in the world but have so far failed to win a World Cup trophy.

However, their fortunes have been changing in recent years, most notably as they captured their first-ever ICC World Test Championship title at Lord's in 2025.

The country has a proud sporting tradition that has become accustomed to success thanks to the rise of the Springboks as the top rugby team in the world, and the cricketers are hoping to add to that pedigree at the World Cup next year.

"Well, I think there's a lot more to it at the moment with us hosting it," Rabada said at the official Cricket World Cup 2027 venue and brand announcement event in Johannesburg.

"It's almost like freedom as well. 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. And that's what it means to me. It's about representing the badge.

"It's so exciting. I've got such a huge passion for South Africa, representing South Africa, and to see how well it's supported, the fans, and this country, everything about it.

"It's really special that such a huge event is making its way to our shores.

"Everybody faces pressure every single day. People face pressure to put food on the table, people face pressure to put their kids through school.

"Pressure is something that we deal with on a daily basis. We're just going to have to make sure that it doesn't get the better of us, and that we're playing to win and not playing not to lose."