By Kevin Rademeyer, Sports Journalist.
Photo Credit: ICC.
Demand for the 2027 ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup has reached extraordinary levels, with more than 120.8 million ticket applications received as fans from across the globe compete for the opportunity to attend the tournament in southern Africa.
As of 1 November, approximately 2.8 million unique fans from 193 countries had registered for the ticket ballot, submitting more than 32.5 million match registrations. The figures underline the growing anticipation for the 14th edition of the tournament, which returns to Africa for the first time in 24 years.
South Africa, the United Kingdom, India, the United States and Australia are leading the demand, while applications from across the African continent have exceeded 14.9 million.
South African venues have attracted the largest share, with the 41 matches scheduled across eight grounds receiving more than 105 million ticket applications. Fixtures involving the Proteas, including their 11 scheduled matches and pre seeded Super 7 fixtures, have drawn close to 26 million requests.
The highly anticipated India versus Pakistan encounter in Johannesburg on 10 October has already attracted more than 8.3 million applications. The final, also scheduled for Johannesburg on 21 November, is not far behind, with nearly 7.9 million requests.
Interest is also substantial in the co -hosting nations. Zimbabwe has recorded more than 13.3 million applications, with its group match between Zimbabwe and India at the new Mosi oa Tunya International Cricket Stadium in Victoria Falls attracting more than 3.3 million requests. In Namibia, more than two million applications have been received for the six matches at Namibia Cricket Ground in Windhoek.
ICC General Manager for Events and Cricket Operations Gaurav Saxena described the response as outstanding, pointing to the global appeal of the tournament and the significance of bringing the World Cup back to Africa.
The tournament will feature 57 matches across 12 venues in South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia, running from 2 October to 21 November 2027. It will mark Namibia’s first time hosting matches at a Men’s Cricket World Cup, while Zimbabwe will showcase its new stadium at Victoria Falls.
With the ballot closing at 23:59 CAT on 21 November, fans still have an opportunity to register at tickets.cricketworldcup.com.
Entry is free and does not require payment during registration. Fans may enter for multiple matches, with one application permitted per person for each fixture. The ballot is not first come, first served, meaning registering earlier does not improve an applicant’s chances.
Where applications exceed the available allocation, successful applicants will be selected through a randomised process and notified by email with details of how to purchase tickets.
The scale of demand already points to a tournament that will extend well beyond the cricket field. For South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia, the 2027 World Cup represents an opportunity to welcome supporters from around the world and showcase the region to a global audience.