Pakistan and India could be placed in the same group for the 2027 ICC Cricket World Cup, with the official schedule due to be announced in Cape Town on Oct. 1.
Pakistan and India could once again be placed in the same group at the 2027 ICC Cricket World Cup, potentially setting up another highly anticipated meeting between the traditional rivals.
According to media reports, the two teams are likely to be grouped together when the tournament schedule is unveiled in Cape Town on Oct. 1. However, the groups and fixtures have yet to be officially confirmed.
The possibility has attracted attention because Pakistan-India matches remain among the most closely followed contests in international cricket. Commercial partners and broadcasters have continued to regard the fixture as a major attraction during International Cricket Council events, adding significance to the prospect of another World Cup meeting.
The potential fixture would also renew a rivalry marked by a one-sided record in the men’s 50-over World Cup. India have dominated their meetings with Pakistan in the tournament, while Pakistan’s most notable 50-over victory over India came in the 2017 Champions Trophy final.
The 2027 World Cup will be hosted by South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia, bringing the men’s 50-over competition back to African soil. The tournament is scheduled to begin on Oct. 2, 2027, with the final set for Nov. 21.
The expanded competition will feature 14 teams and use a new three-stage format. It will begin with a Super Series involving the three lowest-ranked qualified teams.
The next phase will feature 12 teams divided into two groups of six. The leading sides will then progress to a Super 7 phase, with the top four teams advancing to the semi-finals.
The official schedule announcement in Cape Town on Oct. 1 is expected to settle the groups, fixtures and venues for the tournament. The same day will also mark the opening of registration for the World Cup ticket ballot.
With more than a year remaining before the tournament, the possibility of another Pakistan-India group-stage encounter is already adding interest to the countdown. If the fixture is confirmed, it would attract significant attention from supporters, broadcasters and cricket audiences around the world.
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