NEW DELHI : The International Cricket Council (ICC) men’s ODI World Cup 2027 can reportedly begin on October 2, Gandhi Jayanti, to commemorate the life of Mahatma Gandhi. He played a significant role in the history of one of the hosts, South Africa, and the powerhouse of the sport, India.
According to Cricbuzz, the ICC initially planned to kick off the tournament on October 8, but has now changed plans to coincide with Gandhi’s 158th birth anniversary. Pre-tournament warm-up matches will, then, have to begin in late September.
The marquee competition, with 14 participating nations, will be hosted across 12 venues in three African countries, with Zimbabwe and Namibia as co-hosts.
Notably, the World Cup format has undergone a few controversial changes, with the three bottom-ranked teams to play a mini trilateral series of sorts to decide the final-12, called the ‘Super Series’ round. The report didn’t mention whether October 2 will mark the start of this tri-series or the ‘Super Series’. If it’s the former, neither India nor South Africa will be participating in it.
The final is likely to be played on November 21.
Gandhi’s role in India and South Africa’s history
Gandhi is considered the Father of the Nation in India for his role in the freedom struggle. He championed the principle of satyagraha (nonviolent resistance) to fight against the British colonisers’ draconian policies.
A leader for the most oppressed sections of society, his impact went beyond the nationwide movements of non-cooperation and civil disobedience, for he also risked his life multiple times to keep the fractured communities united in the time of extreme struggle.
Even today, Gandhi Jayanti features prayer services at his memorial at Raj Ghat in New Delhi, alongside nationwide patriotic programs and community cleaning drives.
