India, Pakistan and the defending champions Australia have been sealed into Group A, with Afghanistan, co‑host Zimbabwe and Qualifier A also lining up. The 14‑team tournament map was unveiled at the official schedule launch in Cape Town, sending ripples through the cricket world.
Shubman Gill will take the reins as captain in his first ODI World Cup, leading the top‑ranked side into a group that already feels like a battlefield. The 28‑year‑old’s elevation underscores India’s ambition to dominate the early group stages.
The India‑Pakistan face‑off is slated for October 10 in Johannesburg, and it’s more than a game – it’s a clash of histories, a test of nerves, and a potential turning point for the entire tournament. Every wicket and boundary could tilt the balance of Group A.
The 2027 World Cup kicks off on October 2 and will finish on November 21, with 57 matches spread across 12 venues in South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia. It’s the first time Africa hosts the event since 2003, adding another layer of excitement.
Group B will host South Africa, England, New Zealand, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and Qualifier B, while the remaining four spots will be decided through a qualification process. The new four‑stage format introduces a Super Series before the main competition.
India’s next test is the 10th‑day encounter with Pakistan in Johannesburg – a match that could decide the group’s fate and set the tone for the rest of the tournament.