India Will Face Pakistan in 2027 World Cup
The ICC announced group stage matchups for the 2027 ODI Cricket World Cup in South Africa.
Updated on Oct. 1, 2026 in Golf
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India is set to compete against Australia on October 7, 2027, followed by a match against Pakistan on October 10, 2027. The tournament will feature twelve teams in a round-robin group stage hosted across South Africa.
Why it matters
The highly anticipated match between India and Pakistan marks a rare encounter, as the two nations have not played a bilateral cricket series since December 2012 due to ongoing political tensions. Consequently, these teams only meet during official International Cricket Council events.
The tournament structure involves 12 teams in round-robin play, with the top three from each group and the highest-ranked fourth-place team advancing to the Super Seven phase. India enters the matchup maintaining a perfect 8-0 record against Pakistan in World Cup history.
The players
International Cricket Council
The International Cricket Council serves as the global governing body for cricket and organizes the sport's major international tournaments.
India
India is a major cricketing nation that currently holds a perfect record against Pakistan in previous World Cup encounters.
Pakistan
Pakistan is a national cricket team that maintains a long-standing sporting rivalry with India despite a lack of bilateral series.
Australia
Australia is a top-ranked international cricket team scheduled to compete against India during the opening stages of the 2027 tournament.
The details
The 2027 World Cup matches are set for Cape Town and Johannesburg, with the latter hosting the India-Pakistan clash at Wanderers Stadium. India will begin their campaign against Australia before facing their rivals just three days later.
Timeline
December 2012 marked the last bilateral cricket series between India and Pakistan.
India plays Australia in Cape Town on October 7, 2027.
India plays Pakistan in Johannesburg on October 10, 2027.
Season Trajectory
This group stage pairing sets the tone for the 2027 tournament, as high-stakes matches between these nations consistently impact group standings and Super Seven qualification. The encounter serves as a major focal point for the tournament's broader competitive balance.
The India-Pakistan match on October 10, 2027, will be a critical determinant for group advancement, given that the top three teams from each group and the best fourth-placed team move to the Super Seven phase. Given the rivalry, demand for tickets is expected to be extremely high.
The takeaway
The 2027 World Cup will provide one of the few opportunities for fans to witness the India-Pakistan rivalry due to the continued suspension of bilateral play. Fans should monitor official ICC channels for ticket availability to ensure they can secure entry to these high-demand matches.
Further reading
Explore more analysis regarding international tournament structures on the Golf page.
Live Poll
Will hosting high-profile matches help improve diplomatic relations between India and Pakistan?
