The International Cricket Council’s (ICC) revised format for the 2027 ODI World Cup not only boosts India’s chances with Pakistan face each other three times in the competition, but it has also raised criticism over the nature of cricket’s biggest competition. At a time when the world’s biggest sporting events are expanding opportunities for many countries, the ICC has chosen a format that, despite expanding the ODI World Cup from 10 to 14 teams, prevents the necessary participation of lower teams. The new format calls for the three lowest-ranked teams to fight for a place in the main tournament, meaning only one advances while the other two are eliminated before the tournament reaches its final stage. The governing body said the new format was designed to make all matches meaningful from the opening day and strengthen the competitive narrative in all events. However, it also makes way for several meetings between the participants in the major cricket tournament.
The first meeting in the group
The tournament will begin with a ‘Super Series’ involving Teams 12, 13 and 14. Only the winners will advance to the next round. The remaining 12 groups are divided into six groups. Each side will play the rest of their group once, the top three teams in each group and the next best team will qualify for the Super 7. The ICC does not use random draw in its international events, and India and Pakistan have always been in the same group in recent tournaments. If this continues in 2027, the rivals could meet for the first time in the group.
Super 7 opens the door for a second encounter
The seven qualifying teams will compete in one Super 7 tournament. With each team playing once, India and Pakistan will be given a chance to meet again if they both reach the stage, based on two matches in the same tournament. The top four teams in Super 7 qualify for the semi-finals.
The knock-on part may produce a third blockbuster
The format also leaves room for a third India-Pakistan match. If both teams reach the final four they can meet in the semi-final if they finish first and fourth or second and third in the Super 7. If they complete the corresponding parts, they can meet in the final. This means that the revised format allows for three India-Pakistan matches in one ODI World Cup: one in the group stage, one in the Super 7, and one in the semi-final or final. While the ICC has touted the changes as a way to increase the importance of each game, the format has also attracted attention for effectively reducing opportunities for developing countries while increasing the chances of repeat meetings between the major commercial rivals.
