Nearly 8.4 million ticket applications have been received for the upcoming group-stage fixture between India and Pakistan at the 2027 International Cricket Council Men's Cricket World Cup. Organisers confirmed the unprecedented demand on Monday for the high-profile encounter scheduled to take place next year.
The arch-rivals are set to face each other on October 10, 2027, at The Wanderers Stadium in Johannesburg. The venue holds a capacity of 34,000 spectators, meaning the ticket requests vastly exceed the available seating by a staggering margin.
The tournament final, which will also be hosted at the same Johannesburg venue on November 21, trails closely behind the group match with almost eight million ticket requests submitted through the ballot. Organisers reported that more than 120 million total ticket requests have poured in for the entire 14-team showcase.
Nearly three million individual fans from 193 countries have applied for tickets during the ongoing ballot window. The application period remains open to the public until November 21, giving supporters further time to register their interest.
The 2027 edition of the 50-over World Cup is being co-hosted across three nations: South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia. The tournament runs from October 2 to November 21, featuring 14 teams divided into two groups for the opening stage.
The tournament opener on October 7 will feature a repeat of the 2023 final when Australia play India. For Pakistan and India, their encounter remains one of the most anticipated fixtures on the global sporting calendar, carrying immense financial significance for world cricket.
Recent history between the two teams shows India holding the upper hand in the fixture with nine successive victories across formats. Pakistan's last victory against their neighbours came during the 2022 Asia Cup in the United Arab Emirates.
In the tournament structure, Pakistan find themselves placed in a group alongside Australia, Afghanistan, co-hosts Zimbabwe and a yet-to-be-determined qualifier. The other group comprises England, South Africa, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, New Zealand and a second qualifier.
The top three teams from each group, along with the best fourth-placed finisher, will advance to the Super 7 stage of the tournament. From that round, the leading four teams will successfully qualify for the semi-finals.
The overwhelming demand for tickets underscores the enduring appeal of the fixture, despite capacity constraints at The Wanderers. Successful applicants through the ballot phase will secure their attendance as the countdown to the 2027 tournament continues.
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