ICC unveils 2027 ODI World Cup schedule with India opening against Australia
India open against Australia on October 7 and play Pakistan on October 10 in the 2027 ODI World Cup hosted by South Africa, Namibia and Zimbabwe.
The International Cricket Council released the full schedule for the 2027 ODI World Cup to be held in South Africa, Namibia and Zimbabwe from October 2 to November 21. India will open their campaign against defending champions Australia on October 7 at Newlands in Cape Town and face Pakistan two days later at the Wanderers in Johannesburg. The 14-team tournament features a new format with a Super Series, two groups of six teams each, a Super 7 stage and semi-finals on November 17 and 18 before the final on November 21.
India are placed in Group A alongside Pakistan, Australia, Afghanistan, Zimbabwe and Qualifier A. England, South Africa, New Zealand, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and Qualifier B make up Group B. The top three teams from each group plus the best fourth-placed side advance to the Super 7 round. India and Pakistan are scheduled to meet again in the Super 7 stage on November 7 if both qualify, with the final also set for the Wanderers.
ICC chairman Jay Shah said the schedule marks a major milestone on the road to the tournament. The 57-match event will be the largest World Cup in the format's history.
CricHubb Take
The early meeting with Australia and the likely Super 7 clash with Pakistan gives India two high-stakes fixtures before the knockout phase, compressing their toughest tests into the first month of the tournament.