2027 Cricket World Cup Draw: England Avoid India and Australia as Groups Revealed
England have avoided defending champions Australia and world number one-ranked side India in the group-stage draw for the 2027 ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup. The tournament, co-hosted by South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Namibia, returns to African soil after 23 years with fixtures running from 2 October to 21 November 2027.
Tournament Features 14 Teams in New Three-Stage Format
The 14th edition of the tournament features 14 teams spread across 12 venues, playing 57 matches under a new three-stage format before the knockouts. Group A includes India, Australia, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Zimbabwe, and a qualifier. England, who won the 2019 trophy, find themselves placed in Group B alongside co-hosts South Africa, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, New Zealand, and a qualifier.
The tournament group stage opens on 7 October with a rematch of the 2023 final as India face Australia in Cape Town. Arch-rivals India and Pakistan meet in Johannesburg on 10 October. The top three teams, plus the best fourth-placed finisher from the two groups, progress to the Super 7 stage, before the top four qualify for the semi-finals on 17 and 18 November and the final at the Wanderers in Johannesburg on 21 November 2027.
England Face Five Teams Including First Zimbabwe Visit Since 2004
Harry Brook’s side begin their 50-over campaign against Bangladesh on 8 October and Sri Lanka on 13 October in Windhoek, Namibia. England then face South Africa in Gqeberha on 16 October, travel to Harare to face a qualifier on 20 October, and round off the group stage against New Zealand in Gqeberha on 23 October.
The visit to Zimbabwe marks England’s first match in the country since 2004. Political unrest under former president Robert Mugabe caused major disruptions throughout the 2000s, including England boycotting their fixture in Harare at the 2003 World Cup. Relations have since improved, with the two cricket boards discussing a potential tour during the 2027 to 2031 international cycle.
Global Ticket Ballot Launch
Cricket fans worldwide can now register for tickets through a global ballot that opened on 1 October 2026. The entry process is free and does not operate on a first-come, first-served basis, meaning any valid entry submitted between 1 October and 21 November 2026 receives equal consideration.
Fans can apply for as many matches as they wish, requesting up to four tickets per match while selecting their preferred ticket category. Ticket prices range from R158 for entry-level access to R514 for high-tier matches, alongside hospitality options. Where demand exceeds supply, a randomised draw decides successful applicants, who are notified by email with a defined purchase window.
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