ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and India could face each other up to three times in the 2027 ICC ODI World Cup under the new tournament format.
The two arch-rivals are in Group A along with defending champions Australia, Afghanistan, co-hosts Zimbabwe and one qualifier. Group B includes South Africa, New Zealand, England, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and another qualifier.
Pakistan and India will first play each other on October 10 at the Wanderers in Johannesburg in the group stage. Under the new format, the top three teams from each group, along with the best fourth-placed team, will qualify for the Super 7 stage.
If both Pakistan and India qualify, they are scheduled to meet again on November 7 in Cape Town during the Super 7 stage. A third Pakistan-India match could be possible if both teams reach the semi-finals or final.
The 2027 World Cup will have 14 teams and three stages before the knockout matches. In the Super 7 stage, seven teams will play against each other, with the top four moving into the semi-finals.
Pakistan and India could also meet several times in the Asia Cup five months before the World Cup. They could play twice, with a third meeting possible if both reach the final.
This means Pakistan and India could play up to four ODIs against each other within six months. The number could rise to six if they also meet in World Cup knockout matches.
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