The International Cricket Council has unveiled the official schedule for the 2027 Cricket World Cup, confirming that the highly anticipated India versus Pakistan fixture will take place in Johannesburg on October 10, 2027. This city is also set to host the tournament final on November 21, 2027. The event spans 12 venues across South Africa, Namibia, and Zimbabwe, marking the fourth consecutive 50-over World Cup format.
For the group stages, the 12 participating nations have been divided into two pools. Group A features Australia, India, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Zimbabwe, and one qualifier, while Group B comprises New Zealand, South Africa, Sri Lanka, England, Bangladesh, and a second qualifier. These qualifiers will be determined early next year through a 10-team tournament, followed by a Super Series in Namibia for the losing semifinalists and finalist to secure the final spot.
The tournament kicks off on October 7, 2027, in Cape Town, where defending champions Australia will face India. Newlands, Cape Town, is also slated to host a semifinal match on November 17, 2027, while the second semifinal will be played at Centurion’s SuperSport Park on November 18, 2027. Zimbabwe, a co-host, begins its campaign against Afghanistan in Bulawayo on October 11, 2027. The group stage of the tournament begins in Cape Town on October 7, 2027 when defending champions Australia take on India in a repeat of the 2023 World Cup final.
Following the group phase, the top three teams from each group will advance to a Super 7 stage, alongside the best fourth-place finisher across both groups. Notably, the ICC has pre-seeded certain teams into this stage to provide scheduling clarity, regardless of their final group placement. The top four teams from the Super 7 phase will then proceed to the semifinals, where the leader plays the fourth seed and the second and third seeds compete against one another. According to the ICC, The top 10 teams in its rankings as of Tuesday have gained automatic qualification.
England is scheduled to play two group matches in Namibia, and a newly constructed ground at Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe, will host the group-stage finale between Zimbabwe and India on October 24, 2027. That same venue will also host three additional matches during the Super 7 phase.
Reflecting on the host nations, ICC chairman Jay Shah expressed confidence in the choice of venues. He stated that South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Namibia would offer an unforgettable stage for the world’s elite teams, driven by a deep passion for the sport, unique settings, and a warm welcome for all attendees.
The India-Pakistan rivalry remains the tournament’s most commercially significant fixture. The teams were placed in the same group through a behind-closed-doors ballot process, ensuring the matchup takes place. Beyond the initial meeting, the teams could potentially face each other twice more if they progress through the Super 7 stage and eventually meet in the tournament final.
