CSA to Install Drop-In Pitches for 2027 World Cup

South Africa's four main cricket stadiums—Wanderers, SuperSport Park, Kingsmead, and Newlands—are set to feature drop-in pitches for the 2027 Cricket World Cup, as Cricket South Africa (CSA) aims to address long-standing concerns over pitch quality. Enoch Nkwe, CSA's director of cricket, announced this plan, stating that installation will begin next season when South Africa has a lighter international schedule.

Drop-in pitches will be prepared off-site and transported to stadiums, reducing the time needed for in-situ pitch reconstruction, which typically takes up to 18 months. Nkwe explained that this initiative addresses issues CSA has faced in recent years with ageing pitch squares and the impact of climate change on surface preparation. Last season’s poorly prepared Newlands pitch, which led to a shortened Test match against India, was particularly problematic, prompting CSA to take action.

The introduction of drop-in pitches aligns with global trends and lessons learned from recent international tournaments, such as the T20 World Cup in New York, where pitch conditions drew criticism. By starting early, CSA intends to ensure these pitches are well-settled and stable by 2027.

CSA’s decision follows consultations with groundskeepers across the country, including representatives from the other three 2027 World Cup venues: Bloemfontein, Gqeberha, and East London. While drop-in pitches will be prioritised at major stadiums, smaller venues will retain traditional preparation methods due to their lower usage and generally stable conditions.