The ICC has announced the schedule and format for the 2027 ODI World Cup, sparking discussions among cricket experts and fans. Former India wicketkeeper-batter Parthiv Patel has reportedly taken a swipe at Pakistan’s approach to the tournament, drawing a comparison between the expectations of the Indian and Pakistani teams.
The 2027 ODI World Cup will feature 12 teams divided into two groups, Group A and Group B. Pakistan have been placed in Group A alongside India, Australia, Zimbabwe and Afghanistan, with one more team set to join through the qualification process.
Parthiv Patel takes a dig at Pakistan’s World Cup approach
Speaking about the new World Cup format and schedule on Star Sports, Parthiv Patel compared the mindset of the Indian and Pakistani teams.
He suggested that India would be focused on reaching at least the semifinals, while Pakistan might be concentrating on securing a place in the next stage of the competition.
‘Every team thinks according to its own mindset. The Indian team must be thinking that they have to reach at least the semi-finals. Meanwhile, after looking at this schedule, Pakistan must be thinking, ‘We will somehow reach the Super 7 stage, then we will see what happens from there,” Parthiv said.
His comments have added another talking point ahead of the much-anticipated tournament, particularly given the intense cricketing rivalry between India and Pakistan.
Parthiv Patel says new format could help Pakistan
Parthiv also suggested that the revised tournament structure could provide some relief to Pakistan, considering their inconsistent performances in recent major tournaments.
He remarked that Pakistan would be pleased with the schedule and would see an opportunity to qualify for the second round.
At the 2023 ODI World Cup, Pakistan finished fifth in the points table after winning four of their nine matches and losing five. They failed to qualify for the semifinals, while Australia went on to win the tournament.
How will the 2027 ODI World Cup format work?
The 2027 ODI World Cup will feature a revised format designed to determine the teams progressing to the Super 7 stage.
According to the format outlined in the supplied details, the top three teams from each group will qualify directly for the next round. The best-performing fourth-placed team from the two groups will claim the seventh spot in the Super 7 stage.
Points earned during the group stage will not carry forward to the Super 7 round. Each team will play six additional matches between October 25 and November 14, with the top four teams advancing to the semifinals.
India vs Australia to open the 2027 ODI World Cup
The tournament is scheduled to begin on October 7 in Cape Town, with India taking on defending champions Australia in a rematch of the 2023 ODI World Cup final.
One of the most anticipated fixtures will be the India vs Pakistan clash, scheduled for October 10 in Johannesburg. The encounter is expected to attract considerable attention from cricket fans across the world.
Co-hosts South Africa are scheduled to begin their campaign against New Zealand on October 9, while Zimbabwe will also start their campaign on the same day in Bulawayo.
With the tournament format, group-stage fixtures and India-Pakistan rivalry already generating discussion, the 2027 ODI World Cup is set to be a major event on the international cricket calendar.