New Delhi, Aug. 16 -- The International Cricket Council (ICC) is working on a meaningful start date for the 2027 Men's ODI World Cup. Reports indicate the tournament in South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia could begin on 2 October 2027, which is Gandhi Jayanti.

This date would mark the birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi and pay tribute to a leader known for peace and non-violence. Gandhi spent 21 years in South Africa, a period that shaped his ideas. Linking the World Cup opening to this day carries extra weight because the event returns to the continent after more than two decades.

Earlier plans pointed to an 8 October start after warm-up games in the first week of the month. Those warm-ups are now expected to shift earlier so the main ...