India-Pakistan clash drives 1.1 million ticket applications for 2027 Cricket World Cup

India-Pakistan tops the early demand

More than 1.1 million ticket applications have been submitted for the 2027 ODI World Cup since the ballot opened on October 1, with the group-stage meeting between India and Pakistan emerging as the tournament’s most sought-after match so far.

The October 10 fixture in Johannesburg has drawn more than 110,000 applications. India’s match against South Africa has attracted over 92,000, while the meeting with Australia has received more than 86,000. Those three games make up the top positions in early ticket demand.

Ballot stays open until November 21

More than 320,000 fans have registered for the ballot, which is scheduled to remain open until 23:59 CAT on November 21. India’s opening match against defending champions Australia is set for Cape Town on October 7, followed by the Pakistan clash three days later in Johannesburg.

A pre-seeded Super 7 fixture against Pakistan on November 7 has drawn almost 78,000 applications. The final, scheduled for Johannesburg on November 21, has received close to 69,000.

ICC chief executive Sanjog Gupta said the early response reflected the tournament’s scale and reach. “One million ticket applications in just over 48 hours of opening the ticket ballot is a demonstration of the attention, stature and affiliation for ICC Cricket World Cup 2027,” he said.

World Cup returns to Africa

South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia will share hosting duties, marking the return of a major ICC men’s event to Africa after two decades. The tournament is due to begin with a three-team Super Series in Namibia on October 2, with the group stage starting October 7.

Local organising committee CEO Qondisa Ngwenya described the early response as a “major statement by global fans.” The ballot’s early figures point to substantial interest in the tournament’s headline fixtures, with several weeks remaining for applications.