The International Cricket Council has officially unveiled the schedule for the 2027 ODI World Cup, setting the stage for a highly anticipated tournament featuring 14 teams across South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Namibia. India, drawn into Group A, will launch their campaign in a marquee fixture against Australia on October 7 in Cape Town.
Following their opening match, the tournament schedule intensifies quickly for the Indian side. They are slated to face arch-rivals Pakistan on October 10 in Johannesburg, a fixture that remains one of the most significant dates in the international cricket calendar. India's group-stage journey continues with a match against Afghanistan in Tshwane on October 14, followed by a contest against Qualifier A in Bloemfontein on October 17, before concluding their group commitments against Zimbabwe in Victoria Falls on October 24.
Tournament Format and Progression
The 2027 edition of the World Cup will span from October 2 to November 21, comprising 57 matches. The 14 participating nations have been divided into two groups of six. Group A features India, Pakistan, Australia, Afghanistan, Zimbabwe, and Qualifier A. Meanwhile, Group B includes hosts South Africa, England, New Zealand, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, and Qualifier B.
The competition structure is designed to reward consistency, with the top three teams from each group, along with the next best-ranked side, advancing to the Super 7 stage. This phase will run from October 25 to November 14, determining the four semifinalists. The knockout rounds are scheduled for mid-November, with the first semifinal taking place in Cape Town on November 17 and the second in Tshwane on November 18. The tournament will culminate in the final, hosted in Johannesburg on November 21.
