Nearly 8.4 million requests have been processed for tickets to the high-stakes group stage match between India and Pakistan at next year's ICC Men's Cricket World Cup. The rivalry clash is scheduled for 10 October at Johannesburg's Wanderers Stadium, a venue with a capacity of just 34,000 spectators. The same stadium will host the final on 21 November, driving the massive demand for the limited seats available. The 2027 edition is being co-hosted by South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia.
Although India versus Pakistan is one of the most highly-anticipated matches in the cricket calendar and the most lucrative financially, recent history paints a one-sided picture. India has won their past nine meetings, with Pakistan's last victory coming in the 2022 Asia Cup.
The tournament opener on 7 October will be a repeat of the 2023 final, which saw Australia stun India in Ahmedabad. The competition format sees the top three, plus the best fourth-placed finisher, from two groups progress to the Super 7 stage, with the top four teams qualifying for the semi-finals. England joins South Africa, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, New Zealand and another qualifier in the other group.
Source: BBC Sport · Summarized by HeadlinesBriefing