ICC Announces 2027 Cricket World Cup Schedule: India vs Pakistan Clash Set for October 10 in Johannesburg

Virat Kohli has confirmed plans to retire from international cricket following the World Cup in 2027. According to the official schedule released by the International Cricket Council (ICC), the marquee fixture between India and Pakistan is officially locked in for October 10, 2027, in Johannesburg.

Johannesburg will serve as the host city for this intense group-stage rivalry as well as the tournament final. The event will span 12 venues across three co-hosting nations: South Africa, Namibia, and Zimbabwe. The grand finale is scheduled for November 21, 2027, also in Johannesburg. Depending on their performance, the two South Asian neighbours could face each other up to three times during the tournament, including potential meetings in the Super Seven stage and the final.

The 12 participating nations have been divided into two groups through a closed-door ballot:

• Group A: Australia, India, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Zimbabwe, qualifier.
• Group B: New Zealand, South Africa, Sri Lanka, England, Bangladesh, qualifier.

The tournament gets underway in Cape Town on October 7, 2027, with defending champions Australia facing India in a rematch of the 2023 World Cup final. ICC chairman Jay Shah stated that South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Namibia will offer an unforgettable stage for the world's best teams.