The 2027 Men's Cricket World Cup is almost a year away, and fans have already sent a message: they want in. The International Cricket Council (ICC) says it has received more than 120 million ticket applications in its ticket ballot. And yes, the India vs Pakistan match is one of the hottest tickets of all.
Quick read
- The ICC has received 120,809,467 ticket applications for the 2027 Men's Cricket World Cup.
- About 2.8 million fans from 193 countries have registered.
- India vs Pakistan in Johannesburg drew over 8.39 million applications, the most for any match.
- The free ticket ballot closes on 21 November. Use only the official ICC website.
The numbers
As of 1 November 2026, the ICC counted 120,809,467 ticket applications. About 2.8 million unique fans from 193 countries have registered for a chance to buy tickets. That means the average fan has applied for dozens of tickets across different matches.
The biggest matches
- India vs Pakistan on 10 October 2027 in Johannesburg: more than 8.39 million applications, the most for any single game.
- The final, also in Johannesburg: nearly 7.9 million applications.
To put that in perspective, the Wanderers Stadium in Johannesburg holds only around 28,000 people. Even if just a sliver of applicants are serious, nearly everyone who applied for India vs Pakistan will be disappointed.
Where the tournament is
The 2027 World Cup will be co-hosted by South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia. South Africa is the main host, with 41 matches across eight venues. Those matches alone attracted more than 105 million applications. Zimbabwe has recorded more than 13.35 million ticket requests.
For Indian fans, the time zone is friendly. South Africa is three and a half hours behind India, so afternoon and evening matches will be easy to watch live back home.
How the ticket ballot works
If you are hoping to go, here is what you need to know:
- It is free to enter. The ICC has made clear that entering the ballot costs nothing. You only pay if you are selected and choose to buy.
- One entry per person per match. Making multiple accounts will not improve your chances and could get you disqualified.
- The ballot closes on 21 November. After that, winners are picked at random and told how to pay.
- Use only the official ICC website. Tickets for big matches attract scammers. Any website, WhatsApp group or Instagram page selling "confirmed" India vs Pakistan tickets now is almost certainly a fraud.
Why the demand is so huge
The India factor
Indian fans are the engine of world cricket's economy. Any match involving India draws massive interest, and the large Indian community in South Africa, plus fans willing to travel from India, the Gulf, the UK and beyond, pushes demand even higher.
The rivalry
India vs Pakistan is one of the most-watched sporting events on the planet. With the two teams now meeting only in ICC tournaments, every clash becomes a once-in-a-while event, and fans treat it that way.
Africa's moment
This is only the second time the Men's 50-over World Cup is being held in Africa, after 2003. Local fans in South Africa and Zimbabwe are clearly excited to see the world's best players at home.
What it means for the 50-over game
There has been a lot of talk that T20 cricket is pushing the 50-over format aside. Numbers like these suggest that the World Cup, at least, is still a giant. Fans may skip ordinary one-day series, but the World Cup remains the trophy every cricket country dreams of.
If you entered the ballot, good luck. If you did not, there is still time until 21 November. Just remember: free entry, official site only, and no shortcuts.
Quick questions, quick answers
Who is hosting the 2027 World Cup?
South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia. South Africa hosts 41 matches across eight venues, including the final in Johannesburg.
Does it cost money to enter the ballot?
No. Entry is free. You pay only if you are picked and decide to buy tickets.
Can I buy India vs Pakistan tickets now from a reseller?
Be very careful. Tickets are not on general sale yet, so anyone offering "confirmed" seats today is most likely running a scam.
