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'Pakistan will be happy to reach second round': Incoming BCCI chief selector’s 2027 World Cup dig

Former Indian wicketkeeper Parthiv Patel recently offered a lighthearted assessment regarding Pakistan's outlook for the 2027 ODI World Cup. Speaking on television, Patel remarked that the squad across the border will likely view advancing to the newly formatted Super 7 stage as their primary benchmark for the tournament.

The International Cricket Council structured the upcoming event with two groups of six teams each, where the top three contenders from both pools along with the leading fourth-place finisher will progress. Patel contrasted this perspective by stating that India sets its sights much higher, aiming directly for a semi-final appearance.

The tournament structure places India and Pakistan together in Group A alongside Australia, Afghanistan, Zimbabwe, and an incoming qualifier. Unlike traditional group stages, teams will not carry points forward into the Super 7 phase, which consists of a fresh round-robin slate.

During the preliminary group fixtures, the arch-rivals are scheduled to clash at the Wanderers Stadium in Johannesburg on October 10. Additional notable fixtures include India opening their campaign against Australia in Cape Town on October 7, while South Africa faces New Zealand and Zimbabwe takes on the qualifier on October 9.

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