South Africa pacer Kagiso Rabada feels that hosting the 2027 ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup will not add any extra pressure on the Proteas as they look to capitalise on the home advantage. South Africa will be sharing the honour of hosting the inaugural 50-over cricket event along with Zimbabwe and Namibia, while Kagiso Rabada can’t wait to show his skills on his home ground while representing his country.
The Proteas fast bowler has every reason to be optimistic as South Africa has been in fine form in the shorter format of the game in the last few years. South Africa’s victory in the ICC World Test Championship at Lord’s in 2025 ended their long wait for an ICC trophy and has set the nation buzzing with enthusiasm.
‘We’re Going to Defend This Fortress’: Kagiso Rabada on Home World Cup
Despite the raised expectations, Proteas speedster Kagiso Rabada believes that the opportunity to host the event will turn out to be more of a pleasure than a pressure. Speaking to the members of the media at the official launch of the Cricket World Cup 2027 venue and brand in Johannesburg, the pacer stated that playing at home is almost like freedom for him.
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“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,” Kagiso Rabada said.
The 31-year-old pacer also mentioned that instead of being overwhelmed by the burden of expectations, he wants to focus on representing the Proteas’ badge.
“It’s about representing the badge,” he added, as quoted by the ICC.
According to Kagiso Rabada, one of his most inspirational World Cup moments came from Pakistan’s Wasim Akram’s heroic performance in the 1992 final against England at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.
Wasim Akram’s magical spell with the ball saw him clean up two wickets in quick succession to set up Pakistan’s famous victory over the Englishmen and claim their first-ever World Cup title.
“Wasim Akram’s magic against England in the final in 1992 at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. One World Cup moment from the past that I’ll never forget, because I’m a bowler, I’m going to the bowler’s club, was Wasim Akram against England in the final,” said Kagiso Rabada.
The South African speedster was particularly captivated by how Wasim Akram “cleaned up” (the stumps) and had the “showmanship” to pull off such a sensational win for Pakistan.
“He had the skills, he was a fast bowler, but he had this presence, this heightened sense about him that he was there to play,” said Kagiso Rabada. “He was flying in the air, he was fast and had so much skill. Him just cleaning up and putting on a show to take it home for his country and showing the passion and the skill. That’s what he had.”
With South Africa set to host the tournament for the first time in 17 years since 2003, Kagiso Rabada will look to have his share of the magic in his game to help the Proteas make the best possible World Cup debut in his homeland and go all the way to win the elusive cup in 2027.