India v Pakistan at the Wanderers: What Fans Need to Know

Few fixtures in world sport generate demand like India against Pakistan. At the 2027 Men’s Cricket World Cup the two sides meet on Sunday 10 October 2027 at the Wanderers Stadium in Johannesburg, in Group A, with a scheduled start of 10:00 local time (08:00 UTC).

If you are hoping to be there, this guide covers what makes the match so special, what to expect at the venue, how to plan accommodation and transport in Johannesburg, and how to give yourself a fair chance in the official ticket ballot without falling for scams.

Match details

Detail	Information
Fixture	India v Pakistan
Stage	Group A
Date	Sunday 10 October 2027
Start time	10:00 local (UTC+2)
Venue	Wanderers Stadium, Johannesburg, South Africa
Ticket source	tickets.cricketworldcup.com only

Kick-off times can be revised, so check the matches page and official channels closer to the date.

Why it is the hottest ticket of the group stage

History

India and Pakistan have met at several ODI World Cups, and India have won every one of those meetings up to and including the 2023 edition. That record adds an extra layer of pressure each time: Pakistan supporters arrive hoping to end the sequence, and India supporters arrive expecting it to continue.

Rarity

Political circumstances mean the two countries rarely play each other outside ICC and continental tournaments. For many fans, global events are the only chance to see this rivalry live, which concentrates enormous demand into a handful of matches.

The diaspora

South Africa has a large and long-established community with South Asian heritage, particularly around Durban and Johannesburg. Add travelling supporters from India, Pakistan, the United Kingdom, the Gulf, North America and Australia, and the pool of people wanting seats is many times larger than any stadium’s capacity.

Group context

Group A also contains Australia, Afghanistan, Zimbabwe and a qualifier. With only the top three guaranteed a place in the Super 7, along with the best fourth-placed side across both groups, an early defeat for either team could make the rest of their group campaign tense. Read our format explainer for the details.

The venue: the Wanderers

The Wanderers, in the northern suburbs of Johannesburg, is one of the most atmospheric grounds in world cricket. Its steep stands create a bowl effect that amplifies crowd noise, which is why it is often nicknamed “the Bullring”. It will also host the final on 21 November.

Things to know

• Altitude: Johannesburg sits at roughly 1,700 metres above sea level. The ball can travel further, and visitors may notice they tire more quickly in the heat. Drink plenty of water.
• Weather: October is warm on the Highveld, with strong sun. Afternoon thunderstorms are possible as the season progresses.
• Sun exposure: A 10:00 start means a long day outdoors. Bring a hat, sunscreen and a light layer for later in the day.
• Stadium rules: Bag policies, prohibited items and entry procedures will be published by the organisers. Check them before you travel.

More background is on our Wanderers venue page.

Planning your stay in Johannesburg

Accommodation will be under pressure for this match, so plan early and book flexible rates where possible, especially if your ticket is not yet confirmed.

Sandton

Sandton is Johannesburg’s main business district and one of the most popular bases for visitors. It has a wide range of international hotels, restaurants and shopping centres, and it is relatively close to the Wanderers. It is also served by the Gautrain, the rapid rail link that connects with O R Tambo International Airport.

Rosebank

Rosebank is a lively, walkable neighbourhood with cafés, galleries and a weekend craft market. It is also on the Gautrain line and sits close to the stadium, which makes it a good alternative if Sandton fills up or becomes expensive.

Other options

Areas such as Melrose, Illovo and Parktown North are also within reasonable reach of the ground. If budget is a priority, consider staying further out and travelling in, but factor in match-day traffic.

Getting to the ground

On match days, plan to travel by pre-booked or app-based ride services, organised shuttles if the organisers announce them, or with a group. Traffic around the stadium will be heavy, so leave plenty of time. We will add confirmed transport arrangements to the updates page once they are published; we do not want to guess at schedules that have not been announced.

Safety

As in any large city, use registered transport, avoid displaying valuables, and follow advice from your accommodation and local authorities. Agree a meeting point with your group in case phones run out of battery after a long day.

Getting tickets through the ballot

Tickets are allocated through the official ballot at tickets.cricketworldcup.com. Here is how to make the most of it.

1. Register for free. There is no charge to register or to enter the ballot.
2. Apply before the deadline. The ballot closes at 23:59 CAT on 21 November 2026.
3. One application per person per match. Duplicate applications are not allowed and may be removed.
4. Speed does not matter. It is not first come, first served. Where demand exceeds supply, successful applicants are drawn at random.
5. Spread your chances. You can apply for any number of matches. Adding other Group A fixtures, or matches in the same week, gives you a better chance of seeing at least some live cricket during your trip.
6. Watch your inbox. Results arrive by email. Successful applicants receive instructions on how to pay.

Our full ticket ballot guide goes into more detail.

Scam warning

High-profile matches attract fraudsters, and India v Pakistan will be a major target. Please be cautious.

• Only buy from the official site. We do not sell tickets, and nor do the vast majority of websites, social media accounts or messaging groups claiming to.
• Nobody can guarantee you a ballot win. Anyone offering to “secure” a ballot place for a fee is not legitimate.
• Beware of fake emails. Check the sender’s address carefully and log in directly at the official site instead of clicking links in unexpected messages.
• Avoid payment by bank transfer, gift cards or cryptocurrency to individuals selling tickets.
• Check resale rules. If an official resale platform is introduced, it will be announced through the official ticketing site.

If something feels too good to be true, it almost certainly is.

Final checklist

• Entered the ballot for India v Pakistan and some back-up fixtures
• Confirmed visa or entry requirements (see our visa guide)
• Booked flexible accommodation in Sandton, Rosebank or nearby
• Saved the official ticketing site as a bookmark
• Checked the latest match time on the matches page

For more on both sides, visit our India and Pakistan team pages.