New Delhi, Oct. 2 -- Along expected lines, India and Pakistan have been paired in Group A for the 2027 ODI 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 the Wanderers, Johannesburg. Shubman Gill's men then play Afghanistan, Qualifier A and Zimbabwe on October 14, 17 and 24 respectively. The scheduling is such that India and Pakistan can play thrice, subject to their qualifying for the Super 7, the semis and the final. ICC chairman Jay Shah said: "The announcement of the schedule and opening of the ticket ballot are major milestones on the road to the ICC Men's Cricket World Cup 2027, bringing fans one step closer to a spectacular celebration of cricket across the three nations. "The ICC remains committed to making its World Cup events accessible to as many fans as possible, with affordable ticket prices and options that bring families, young people and local communities closer to the action. "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. We look forward to welcoming fans from across the world and creating memories that will last beyond the final." The 2027 World Cup will revert to 14 teams-four more than the previous edition. The format is radically changed too. The tournament starts with a Super Series, with the second, third and fourth-placed teams from the ICC World Qualifier in February-March next year featuring in it. It's a round-robin (three matches in all), and the winner will join Round 2, which has 12 teams divided into Group A and Group B. Thirty games in all here. These 12 teams are: India, New Zealand, Australia, Pakistan, England, Sri Lanka, Afghanistan and Bangladesh - these 8 based on their ICC ODI rankings by September 30, 2026 - and South Africa and Zimbabwe - earning the rights as co-hosts - the ICC World Qualifier winner (Qualifier A) and the Super Series winner (Qualifier B)....