(Sports Desk) – The group-stage match between Pakistan and India at the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2027 has attracted about 8.4 million ticket applications, according to tournament organisers, making it one of the event’s most sought-after fixtures.
The teams are scheduled to meet on October 10, 2027, at Johannesburg’s Wanderers Stadium in South Africa. The ground has a reported seating capacity of approximately 34,000, meaning demand for the match far exceeds the number of available seats.
The tournament’s final has also generated significant interest. Organisers have received around eight million applications for the title match, scheduled for November 21 at the same venue.
The 2027 World Cup will be jointly hosted by South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia. Organisers say the tournament has attracted approximately three million applicants from 193 countries, with more than 120 million ticket applications submitted overall.
The application window is due to remain open until November 21. The scale of interest reflects the global following of the men’s 50-over competition and the particular appeal of matches involving major cricketing rivals.
The 14-team tournament is scheduled to run from October 2 to November 21, 2027. The opening match is set for October 7, with Australia and India, the finalists of the 2023 edition, listed to meet in the first fixture.
Pakistan’s group-stage opponents are listed as Australia, Afghanistan, Zimbabwe and one team yet to qualify. The other group includes England, South Africa, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, New Zealand and another qualifying side.
The listed group composition does not include India among Pakistan’s group opponents, despite the reported October 10 fixture between the two teams. Further clarification of the tournament schedule and group allocations may be needed as preparations continue.
Pakistan and India matches have traditionally drawn exceptional attention because of the teams’ sporting rivalry and the large audiences that follow them across the world. Their meetings are among the most watched events in international cricket, and ticket demand often far exceeds stadium capacity.
The two sides last faced each other in the 2022 Asia Cup, when Pakistan recorded a victory in the Super Four stage. Their next scheduled World Cup meeting is expected to be a major focus for supporters, broadcasters and tournament organisers.
The high number of applications for both the group match and the final suggests that demand will remain strong as the event approaches. However, an application does not necessarily guarantee a ticket, and the number of seats available at each venue is limited.
With the application period still open, organisers are expected to continue receiving requests from fans seeking to attend the tournament. The final allocation process and ticketing arrangements will determine how many applicants can secure seats for the marquee fixtures.
