Pakistan will face India in Johannesburg on October 10 at the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2027. The ICC announced the schedule on Thursday and opened its ticket ballot.
South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia will host the tournament from October 2 to November 21. Fourteen teams will contest 57 matches across 12 venues.
Defending champions Australia face India in Cape Town on October 7, opening the group stage with a repeat of the 2023 final.
Pakistan’s group and qualification route
Group A comprises Pakistan, India, Australia, Afghanistan, Zimbabwe and Qualifier A. New Zealand, South Africa, Sri Lanka, England, Bangladesh and Qualifier B form Group B.
South Africa and Zimbabwe qualified automatically as hosts. Eight other teams qualified through the ODI rankings at the September 30, 2026 cut-off.
The World Cup Qualifier determines the remaining four entrants. Its winner advances directly to the group stage.
𝙈𝘼𝙍𝙆 𝙔𝙊𝙐𝙍 𝘾𝘼𝙇𝙀𝙉𝘿𝘼𝙍𝙎 🗓️
The ICC Men’s #CWC27 fixtures have been unveiled 🏆
Access the ticket ballot 🎫 https://t.co/MSLEQzcObb pic.twitter.com/dpTE4TEjO7
— ICC (@ICC) October 1, 2026
The second-, third- and fourth-placed finishers contest a single round-robin Super Series in Windhoek on October 2, 4 and 6. Only its winner progresses.
South Africa open against New Zealand in Cape Town on October 9. England meet Sri Lanka in Windhoek on October 13.
India’s match against Zimbabwe closes the group stage at Victoria Falls’ new Mosi-oa-Tunya Stadium.
Super 7 replaces traditional second round
The top three teams from each group advance alongside the fourth-placed side with more points.
The Super 7 runs from October 25 to November 14. Teams carry no points forward and play six matches each.
Pre-seeded positions are India A1, Australia A2, Pakistan A3, England AB4, New Zealand B1, South Africa B2 and Sri Lanka B3.
These allocations help fans plan travel but do not guarantee qualification. An unseeded qualifier inherits the position of the seeded team it displaces.
The #CWC27 groups are locked ⚡🔐
A cricketing extravaganza awaits! How to watch the schedule launch ➡️ https://t.co/Eod5GoN7zW pic.twitter.com/oVg7zVHLNF
— ICC (@ICC) October 1, 2026
Johannesburg hosts A2 against B3 on October 25. The top four subsequently reach the semi-finals, with first facing fourth and second meeting third.
Cape Town hosts the November 17 semi-final; Tshwane stages the second on November 18. Both have reserve days.
Johannesburg hosts the November 21 final, with November 22 reserved for interruptions.
Ticket ballot opens
Tickets range from $9.62 (R158) to $31.31 (R514), alongside family, student, pensioner, local, school and community pricing options.
The free ballot closes on November 21, 2026. Fans can request up to four tickets per match; entry does not guarantee tickets.
ICC chairman Jay Shah said:
“The announcement of the schedule and opening of the ticket ballot are major milestones on the road to the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2027, bringing fans one step closer to a spectacular celebration of cricket across the three nations.
“The ICC remains committed to making its World Cup events accessible to as many fans as possible, with affordable ticket prices and options that bring families, young people and local communities closer to the action.
“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. We look forward to welcoming fans from across the world and creating memories that will last long beyond the final.”
