World Cup 2027 schedule: Pakistan-India clash on October 10 as full fixtures unveiled
World Cup 2027 schedule: Pakistan-India clash on October 10 as full fixtures unveiled
ISLAMABAD: The International Cricket Council on Thursday unveiled the World Cup 2027 schedule, setting the Pakistan-India group-stage clash for October 10 in Johannesburg. The 50-over tournament will run from October 2 to November 21, 2027, across South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia.
The World Cup 2027 schedule brings the tournament back to Africa for the first time in 24 years. The last edition staged on the continent was in 2003, when South Africa, Zimbabwe and Kenya hosted it. A total of 54 matches will be played in what the ICC says is one of the biggest editions in the tournament’s history.
Pakistan’s group-stage fixtures
Pakistan have been drawn in Group A alongside India, Australia, Afghanistan, Zimbabwe and one qualifier. India and Pakistan are in the same group, which guarantees the October 10 meeting at the Wanderers in Johannesburg.
| Date | Match | Venue |
|---|---|---|
| Oct 8, 2027 | Pakistan v Afghanistan | Tshwane |
| Oct 10, 2027 | India v Pakistan | Johannesburg |
| Oct 15, 2027 | Pakistan v Qualifier A | Bloemfontein |
| Oct 19, 2027 | Zimbabwe v Pakistan | Harare |
| Oct 22, 2027 | Australia v Pakistan | Paarl |
Pakistan open their campaign against Afghanistan in Tshwane on October 8, two days before the India game. They close the group stage against Australia in Paarl on October 22. India begin against Australia in Cape Town on October 7, a repeat of the 2023 final.
The new World Cup 2027 format
The tournament has a new multi-stage format with 14 teams, four more than previous editions. It starts with a Super Series in Namibia featuring the three lowest-ranked qualified teams in a round-robin, with the top side progressing to the group stage.
The remaining 12 teams are split into two groups of six. Group A has India, Australia, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Zimbabwe and Qualifier A. Group B has New Zealand, South Africa, Sri Lanka, England, Bangladesh and Qualifier B. Each side plays five group matches.
The top three from each group, plus the best-performing side across both groups, move into the Super 7 stage of seven teams, who play each other once across 21 matches. The top four then reach the semi-finals, where first plays fourth and second plays third.
The semi-finals will be played in Cape Town on November 17 and Tshwane on November 18, with reserve days for both. The final is in Johannesburg on November 21, with November 22 held as a reserve day.
Key dates for fans
Matches will be staged across eight venues in South Africa (Johannesburg, Tshwane, Cape Town, Durban, Gqeberha, Bloemfontein, Paarl and KuGompo City), three in Zimbabwe (Harare, Bulawayo and Victoria Falls) and one in Namibia (Windhoek).
The ICC has also opened its ballot system for fans to apply for tickets. Trevor Manuel, the independent chairperson of the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2027 local organising committee board, said: “South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia are ready to welcome the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup and supporters from around the world back to our continent.”
Frequently asked questions
When is the Pakistan vs India match at World Cup 2027?
The group-stage clash is on Sunday, October 10, 2027, in Johannesburg.
Where will the World Cup 2027 final be played?
The final is scheduled for November 21, 2027, in Johannesburg, with a reserve day on November 22.
What is the format of World Cup 2027?
Fourteen teams take part. A three-team Super Series opens the event, followed by two groups of six, a seven-team Super 7 stage, two semi-finals and the final, for 54 matches in total.
Which countries are hosting the 2027 World Cup?
South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia are co-hosting, with matches in 12 cities including Johannesburg, Cape Town, Harare and Windhoek.
