India, Oct. 1 -- Along expected lines, India and Pakistan have been paired in Group A for the 2027 World Cup to be held in South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia from October 2 to November 21. Afghanistan, Australia, Zimbabwe and Qualifier A are the other teams in India's group. Bangladesh, England, South Africa, Sri Lanka, New Zealand and Qualifier B are in Group B.

India play their opener against defending champions Australia on October 7 at Cape Town. Pakistan are up next on October 10 at Johannesburg. Shubman Gill's men's matches against Afghanistan, Qualifier A and Zimbabwe will take place on October 14, 17 and 24.

The scheduling is such that India and Pakistan can play thrice, subject to their qualifying for the Super 7, the semis and...