India and Pakistan Gear Up for Up to Six Epic ODI Clashes in 2027

Cricket enthusiasts from India and Pakistan can look forward to an action-packed 2027 after the official ODI World Cup schedule was revealed. Placed together in Group A for the upcoming 50-over World Cup hosted jointly by South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Namibia, the fierce rivals are set to lock horns at the Wanderers in Johannesburg on October 10.

Organisers strategically placed both teams in the same group to guarantee at least one marquee showdown, building on the immense viewership of past encounters like the T20 final at the Asian Games. With a new tournament format, India and Pakistan could potentially cross paths up to three times—during the group phase, the Super Seven stage, and the knockout rounds.

The ODI World Cup won't be the only battleground in 2027. The Asia Cup in Bangladesh will adopt an ODI format to serve as a direct warm-up for the main event, potentially offering another two to three matches between the traditional rivals. Consequently, fans could witness as many as six 50-over matches between the two nations next year.

The tournament is also expected to mark the final international appearance for white-ball legends Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli. Both players are eager to claim the trophy after falling short against Australia in the 2023 final, with Kohli confirming that the 2027 event will be his last for India.

In Group A, India will also face Australia in Cape Town on October 7, alongside Afghanistan, co-hosts Zimbabwe, and a yet-to-be-determined qualifier. Meanwhile, co-hosts South Africa headline Group B alongside England, New Zealand, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, and another qualifier.