ICC Announces 2027 Cricket World Cup Schedule Featuring India-Pakistan Clash

The International Cricket Council has unveiled the schedule for the 2027 Men's ODI Cricket World Cup, with the tournament set to run from October 7 to November 21. A highly anticipated match between rivals India and Pakistan is confirmed for October 10 in Johannesburg.

Key details

• •According to BBC Sport and Al Jazeera, India and Pakistan are grouped together with defending champions Australia, Afghanistan, Zimbabwe, and a qualifier.
• •BBC Sport reports that England's group includes South Africa, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, New Zealand, and a qualifier, meaning they avoid facing Australia and India in the group stage.
• •Cricinfo.com confirms the tournament opens with a rematch of the 2023 final between India and Australia at Newlands in Cape Town on October 7.
• •Per BBC Sport, the tournament format features two groups, with the top three teams plus the best fourth-placed finisher advancing to a Super 7 stage.
• •The final is scheduled to take place at Wanderers in Johannesburg on November 21, as noted by Cricinfo.com.

Background

England is set to face a qualifier in Harare on October 20, marking their first match in Zimbabwe since 2004. BBC Sport notes that England previously boycotted a 2003 World Cup match in Harare due to political unrest under the regime of Robert Mugabe, though relations between the two cricket boards have improved in recent years.

Why it matters

The tournament structure determines the path to the semi-finals, which are scheduled for November 17 and 18. England's performance in this cycle is of particular interest as the team seeks to build on a resurgence in the 50-over format.