Former India wicketkeeper-batter Parthiv Patel took a cheeky dig at Pakistan while discussing the newly announced format and schedule for the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2027.
Speaking on Star Sports after the World Cup schedule was announced, Parthiv suggested that Pakistan would be focused on making it through the group stage. Pakistan have been placed in Group A alongside India, Australia, Afghanistan, Zimbabwe and Qualifier A. “Pakistan must be happy to see this schedule. They must be thinking that they will make it to the second round.
The top three teams from each group, along with the better fourth-placed side, will advance to the Super 7 stage. Parthiv also contrasted the mindset he attributed to India and Pakistan ahead of the tournament, saying India would be targeting the semi-finals while Pakistan would first be looking to reach the Super 7 stage. The 2027 World Cup will feature 14 teams across three stages before the semi-finals and final. The first stage is a three-team Super Series, with the winner joining the 12 teams in the main group stage. The 12 teams will be divided into two groups of six. The top three teams from each group and the best fourth-placed team will qualify for the Super 7 stage. There will be no points carried over from the group stage, with each Super 7 team playing six matches. The 2027 World Cup will be jointly hosted by South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia, with the final scheduled for Johannesburg on November 21.
