JOHANNESBURG -- The International Cricket Council said nearly 8.4 million ticket applications have been received for the group-stage match between India and Pakistan at next year's Men's Cricket World Cup, overwhelming demand for one of the sport's most high-profile fixtures. The match is scheduled for 10 October at Johannesburg's Wanderers Stadium, which has a capacity of 34,000 spectators. The same venue is hosting the final on 21 November, contributing to the volume of applications. The 2027 edition of the tournament is being co-hosted by South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia. The overwhelming appetite for the India-Pakistan clash contrasts with the on-field reality of a one-sided rivalry; India has won their past nine meetings against Pakistan, with the visitors' last victory coming in the 2022 Asia Cup. The tournament opener on 7 October will be a repeat of the 2023 final, with Australia playing India in Ahmedabad. In the group stage, the top three teams from each group, plus the best fourth-placed finisher, will progress to the Super 7 stage, from where the top four teams will qualify for the semi-finals. England have been drawn in a group with South Africa, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, New Zealand and a qualifier, while the other group contains Australia, Afghanistan, Zimbabwe and a qualifier.