ICC announces ODI World Cup 2027 schedule; India to face Australia in opener, Pakistan in same group
The ICC has announced the 2027 ODI World Cup schedule. India faces Australia in the opener, with a high-stakes India vs Pakistan clash set for October.
The International Cricket Council (ICC) has officially unveiled the schedule for the Men’s ODI Cricket World Cup 2027. In a blockbuster opening fixture, India is set to face defending champions Australia in Cape Town on October 7, marking a high-profile rematch of the 2023 World Cup final.
Group Stages and High-Stakes Matchups
The 12 confirmed teams for the Group Stage have been split into two distinct groups. The tournament structure ensures intense competition from the very first ball:
- Group A: India, Australia, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Zimbabwe, and Qualifier A.
- Group B: New Zealand, South Africa, Sri Lanka, England, Bangladesh, and Qualifier B.
Cricket fans have a massive treat waiting on October 10, as the much-anticipated India vs Pakistan clash is scheduled to take place in Johannesburg. Additionally, South Africa will kick off their campaign against New Zealand in Cape Town on October 9, while co-host Zimbabwe will face Qualifier A in Bulawayo on the same day.
Tournament Format and Qualification
The tournament features 14 teams in total. South Africa and Zimbabwe have secured direct qualification as hosts, alongside the top eight teams from the ICC Men’s ODI Team Rankings as of September 30, 2026. The remaining four spots will be determined through the Cricket World Cup Qualifier.
The winner of the qualifier earns a direct spot in the Group Stage, while the other three teams must compete in the Super Series. Following the group stage, the top three teams from each group will advance to the Super 7 phase, with the best-performing fourth-place finisher across both groups securing the seventh spot.
Venues and Global Accessibility
A total of 12 venues across three nations will host the festivities. The matches will be spread across:
- South Africa: Cape Town, Paarl, Johannesburg, Tshwane, Bloemfontein, Durban, KuGompo City, and Gqeberha.
- Zimbabwe: Victoria Falls (Mosi-oa-Tunya Stadium), Harare, and Bulawayo.
- Namibia: Windhoek (Namibia Cricket Ground).
ICC Chairman Jay Shah emphasized that the tournament aims to be inclusive and accessible. “The announcement of the schedule and opening of the ticket ballot are major milestones on the road to the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2027,” Shah stated, noting the ICC's commitment to affordable ticket options to bring families and local communities closer to the action.
Key Dates at a Glance
Super Series
- October 2, 2027: QF1 v QF3 (Windhoek)
- October 4, 2027: QF1 v QF2 (Windhoek)
- October 6, 2027: QF2 v QF3 (Windhoek)
Group Stage Highlights
- October 7: India v Australia (Cape Town)
- October 8: Pakistan v Afghanistan (Tshwane) | England v Bangladesh (Windhoek)
- October 9: Zimbabwe v Qualifier A (Bulawayo) | South Africa v New Zealand (Cape Town)
- October 10: India v Pakistan (Johannesburg) | Sri Lanka v Qualifier B (Windhoek)