There have been nearly 8.4 million requests for tickets for the group stage match between India and Pakistan at next year’s ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup.

The 2027 edition of the tournament is being co-hosted by South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia.

The rivals face each other on 10 October at Johannesburg’s Wanderers stadium, which holds just 34,000 spectators.

The same venue is also hosting the final on 21 November, which has resulted in almost eight million ticket applications.

The tournament opener on 7 October will be a repeat of the 2023 final which saw Australia stun India in Ahmedabad.

Although India v Pakistan is one of the most highly-anticipated matches in the cricket calendar and the most lucrative financially, it has been a one-sided affair in recent times with India winning their past nine meetings.

Pakistan’s last win against India came in the 2022 Asia Cup.

They are in a group with Australia, Afghanistan, Zimbabwe and a qualifier while England join South Africa, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, New Zealand and another qualifier.

The top three, plus the best fourth-placed finisher, from the two groups progress to the Super 7 stage and from there, the top four teams will qualify for the semi-finals.