The International Cricket Council (ICC) has approved a new format for the 2027 Men's ODI World Cup, and cricket fans are already buzzing about one big possibility: India and Pakistan could face each other as many as three times during the tournament.
The revised format was approved at the ICC Annual Conference in Edinburgh as part of a wider overhaul of its flagship men's events. While the changes are designed to make every stage of the competition more meaningful, fans were quick to point out that the new system also increases the chances of multiple India vs Pakistan contests.
How the New ODI World Cup Format Works
The 2027 ODI World Cup will feature 14 teams and follow a new structure. According to NDTV Sports, an additional team in the round-robin phase increases the prospects of an extra match between India and Pakistan. As such, India and Pakistan could face each other as many as three times — once in the initial group stage, once in the 'super seven' and once more in either the semi-finals or final.
The new format includes a preliminary round where teams ranked 12th to 14th play a Super Series, with one team qualifying. Then, the main tournament splits into two groups before moving into a Super Seven stage, followed by the semi-finals and final.
Why This Matters for India vs Pakistan Rivalry
The India-Pakistan cricket rivalry is one of the most-watched sporting events globally. Any match between the two nations draws massive television audiences and stadium crowds. The possibility of three meetings in a single World Cup would be unprecedented and could generate enormous excitement.
According to ABP Live, the new format was announced with a clear structure: Round 1 features teams ranked 12th–14th in a Super Series, with one team qualifying. Round 2 involves two groups, and the tournament progresses from there.
Our Take: A Format That Rewards Rivalries
In our view, the ICC's new format is a smart move. By increasing the number of meaningful matches in the group and Super Seven stages, the tournament becomes more competitive from start to finish. But the real winner here is the fan experience. The chance to see India and Pakistan play three times in one World Cup is a massive draw for broadcasters, sponsors, and viewers alike.
To put it plainly, this format change acknowledges that cricket's biggest rivalries drive interest. While the primary goal is to make every stage count, the added bonus of multiple high-stakes clashes between India and Pakistan could make the 2027 World Cup one of the most-watched in history. Fans should start planning now — because if both teams perform well, we could be in for a historic series of matches.
