India, Pakistan and defending champions Australia have been placed in the same group for the 2027 ICC Men ODI World Cup, setting up a high profile group stage. The International Cricket Council (ICC) announced the tournament schedule on Thursday, October 1.
The three teams will be part of Group A, along with Afghanistan, Zimbabwe and one team that will qualify through the tournament qualification process. Group B includes New Zealand, South Africa, Sri Lanka, England, Bangladesh and another qualifier. India will begin its World Cup campaign against Australia on October 7, 2027, in Cape Town. The much awaited India Pakistan match is scheduled for October 10 in Johannesburg, giving fans another major contest between the two teams.
The 2027 World Cup will be hosted by South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia. The tournament will begin on October 2, while the final is scheduled for November 21. Matches will be played across 12 venues in the three host countries.
The tournament will also use a new format. After the opening Super Series, 12 teams will be divided into two groups of six. The top three teams from each group, along with the best fourth placed team, will advance to the Super 7 stage. The top four teams from that stage will reach the semi finals. With India, Pakistan and Australia together, Group A will feature several important matches even before the knockout stages begin.
