Johannesburg Set for India-Pakistan Clash and 2027 World Cup Final

Johannesburg has been selected to host both the India-Pakistan group-stage fixture and the final of the 2027 Cricket World Cup, the International Cricket Council has announced.

The highly anticipated group match is scheduled for October 10, 2027, while the tournament final will take place in Johannesburg on November 21.

The 50-over tournament will be played across 12 venues in South Africa, Namibia and Zimbabwe. The group stage is due to open in Cape Town on October 7, with Australia facing India in a repeat of the 2023 World Cup final.

Tournament format

The 12 participating nations will be divided into two groups. Group A comprises Australia, India, Pakistan, Afghanistan and Zimbabwe, alongside one qualifier. Group B includes New Zealand, South Africa, Sri Lanka, England and Bangladesh, together with the other qualifier.

The two remaining places will be decided through a 10-team qualifying tournament and a Super Series. The qualifying teams had not been identified in the schedule announcement.

After the group stage, the top three teams from each group will advance to the Super Seven phase, joined by the best fourth-placed team across the two groups. The top four teams at the end of that stage will reach the semifinals.

If India and Pakistan both progress, they could meet again in the Super Seven stage. A third meeting would be possible in the final if both teams qualify for the championship match.

Hosts prepare for global tournament

Australia will enter the competition as defending champions. Zimbabwe, one of the co-hosts, is scheduled to begin its campaign against Afghanistan in Bulawayo on October 11, 2027.

England will play two group-stage matches in Namibia, while a newly built ground at Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe is scheduled to host the final group-stage match between Zimbabwe and India on October 24. The venue is also due to stage three Super Seven matches.

ICC chairman Jay Shah said the three host countries would offer a combination of cricket interest, attractions and hospitality.

“South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia will provide an unforgettable stage for the world’s best teams, combining a deep passion for cricket, extraordinary destinations and a renowned warmth of welcome,” Shah said.

The schedule places Johannesburg at the centre of the tournament’s most prominent fixtures, with the city set to host the group-stage meeting between India and Pakistan before staging the competition’s concluding match.