Johannesburg to host Cricket World Cup final and India vs. Pakistan game in 2027 edition

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) — Johannesburg will host the final of next year's Cricket World Cup as well as a marquee game between archrivals Pakistan and India.

The International Cricket Council on Thursday announced the schedule of the 2027 edition of the tournament. A total of 12 venues will host matches across three countries: South Africa, Namibia and Zimbabwe.

The India-Pakistan match is scheduled for Oct. 10 in Johannesburg, which also will host the Nov. 21 final.

The 12 nations are split into two groups with defending champion Australia, India, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Zimbabwe and a qualifier in Group A. New Zealand, South Africa, Sri Lanka, England, Bangladesh and another qualifier are placed in Group B.

The two qualifiers will be confirmed after a 10-team tournament early next year. The winner will advance to the group stage of the mega event. The losing finalist and the two losing semifinalists will play the Super Series at Namibia ahead of the World Cup with the winner advancing as the second qualifier.

The group stage of the tournament begins at Cape Town on Oct. 7 when Australia takes on India in a repeat of 2023 World Cup final. Newlands in Capetown, which has an iconic mountain backdrop, will also host a semifinal on Nov. 17. The second semifinal on Nov. 18 will be played at Centurion's SuperSport Park.

The ICC said that top 10 teams on its rankings to Sept. 30 this year have gained automatic qualification. Zimbabwe, the co-host of the tournament, begins its campaign on Oct. 11 with a game against Afghanistan at Bulawayo.

"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," ICC chairman Jay Shah said in a statement.

After the group stage, the top three teams from both groups advance to the Super 7 stage. The seventh team will be the best fourth-place side across the two groups.

The ICC said to provide clarity for fans, teams and stakeholders, a number of teams have been pre-seeded into designated Super 7 stage, no matter where it finishes among the top three during the group stage like, India and New Zealand are A1 and B1 respectively in their groups.

England will play two group games in Namibia while a newly built Victoria Falls ground in Zimbabwe hosts the final game of the group stage between the co-host and India on Oct. 24. An additional three games in Super 7 stage will also be hosted at the same venue.

The top four teams after the Super 7 phase advance to the semifinals. Top finisher will play against the fourth place team with the second and third-placed teams going head-to-head in the other semi-final.