Dubai (Gurpreet Singh): International Cricket Council has officially announced the complete match schedule for the Men’s Cricket World Cup 2027, setting up a blockbusting start for two-time champions India as they open their campaign against reigning titleholders Australia before squaring off against arch-rivals Pakistan. Co-hosted across South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Namibia, the premier 50-over showcase will feature 14 competing nations playing 57 matches across 12 venues between October 2 and November 21, 2027.
The tournament begins on October 2 with an opening three-team Super Series staged at the Namibia Cricket Ground in Windhoek. The primary group stage commences five days later on October 7, featuring a replay of the 2023 final when India take on Australia at Newlands in Cape Town. Indian supporters will not have to wait long for the tournament’s most anticipated encounter, with the high-stakes clash against Pakistan slated for Sunday, October 10, at the DP World Wanderers Stadium in Johannesburg.
Following the high-voltage showdown in Johannesburg, the Indian team will travel to Tshwane to meet Afghanistan on October 14, followed by a fixture against a qualifying nation in Bloemfontein on October 17. India will conclude their preliminary Group A commitments on October 24 against co-hosts Zimbabwe at the picturesque Mosi-oa-Tunya International Cricket Stadium in Victoria Falls. Co-hosts South Africa will launch their tournament against New Zealand in Cape Town on October 9, while England begin their Group B pursuit against Bangladesh in Windhoek on October 8.
Under the tournament format, the 14 sides are split into two groups of seven, with the top three teams from each group advancing alongside the superior fourth-placed side to form a newly structured Super 7 stage. The Super 7 phase will run from October 25 to November 14, deciding the four semi-finalists who will battle for the ultimate prize.
The knockout phase will begin with the first semi-final in Cape Town on Wednesday, November 17, followed by the second semi-final in Tshwane on Thursday, November 18, with both contests retaining reserve days. The championship decider is scheduled for Sunday, November 21, at the Wanderers in Johannesburg, bringing the curtain down on the six-week spectacle across southern Africa. Alongside the fixture release, the ICC confirmed that ticket ballot registration has officially opened for spectators worldwide.
