By Kevin Rademeyer, Sports Journalist.
Photo Credit: ICC.
Demand for the 2027 Cricket World Cup has surged past one million ticket applications within three days of the ballot opening, underlining the huge anticipation surrounding the tournament’s return to Africa.
More than 320,000 fans have registered for the ballot, with applications submitted for more than 1.1 million tickets across matches in South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia, the International Cricket Council said on Tuesday.
The India versus Pakistan fixture has attracted the greatest interest so far, with more than 110,000 applications. India’s meeting with South Africa has received more than 92,000 applications, while the India versus Australia match has drawn more than 86,000.
The pre -seeded Super Seven fixture between India and Pakistan on November 7 has attracted almost 78,000 applications, while the World Cup final at the Wanderers on November 21 has already received close to 69,000.
The ballot will remain open until 23:59 South African time on November 21, exactly one year before the final.
Fans can apply for as many matches as they wish, with each match treated as a separate entry. A maximum of four tickets can be requested per match, with applicants also able to select their preferred ticket category.
Importantly, entering the ballot does not mean buying a ticket and the process is not first come, first served. Applications submitted during the ballot window have the same chance of being selected.
If demand exceeds the number of tickets available for a match, a randomised draw will determine which applicants receive an opportunity to purchase tickets. Successful applicants will then be given a specified period to complete their purchase.
Entry to the ballot is free and does not guarantee a ticket. Any tickets remaining after the initial process could be made available through later sales phases.
Ticket prices are expected to start at around R158 for entry level tickets and rise to approximately R514 for the highest tier matches, with family packages and discounted options for students, pensioners, community clubs and school groups also planned.
ICC CEO Sanjog Gupta said the early response demonstrated the global appeal of the tournament. “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,” Gupta said.
The 14- team tournament will feature 57 matches across 12 venues in South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia from October 2 to November 21, 2027.
It will be the first ICC men’s marquee event to return to the African continent in two decades, with the organisers expecting the tournament to attract attention from cricket supporters across more than 120 countries.
For fans hoping to attend, the ballot remains open, with demand already suggesting that tickets for the tournament’s biggest matches could be highly contested.