# ICC international cricket scheduling and ticket demand > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/icc-international-cricket-scheduling-and-format-updates > Updated: 2026-10-13T08:45:13.000Z. Sources: 67. Developments: 7. The International Cricket Council (ICC) has moved from discussing potential structural changes to the international cricket calendar to finalizing specific tournament formats and schedules. Following deliberations regarding the 2027-31 Future Tours Programme, the ICC announced the formal structure for the 2027 Men’s ODI World Cup, co-hosted by South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Namibia. This marks the return of a major ICC men’s marquee event to the African continent after 24 years. The tournament will feature 14 teams and 57 matches across 12 venues. Namibia will host the opening Super Series matches in Windhoek starting October 2, 2027. Zimbabwe will host matches in Harare, Bulawayo, and Victoria Falls, while South Africa will utilize eight venues, including Cape Town, Durban, and Tshwane. The tournament will conclude with semi-finals in Cape Town and Tshwane, followed by the final at The Wanderers in Johannesburg on November 21, 2027. In October 2026, the ICC opened the ticket ballot, seeing a massive surge in demand. Within 12 days of the ballot going live, total applications reached over 15 million, including approximately 4.4 million ballot registrations from fans across 142 different countries. The India-Pakistan fixture remains a primary driver of interest. ICC CEO Sanjog Gupta noted that this rapid response demonstrates the “global stature of the event” and the appeal of Africa as a destination. The ticket ballot remains open for registration until November 21, 2026. ## Claims - The tournament final will be held on November 21, 2027, in Johannesburg. (corroborated by 28 sources) - The tournament begins on October 2, 2027, with a Super Series in Windhoek. (corroborated by 27 sources) - The 2027 Men’s Cricket World Cup will feature 14 teams. (corroborated by 25 sources) - South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Namibia will co-host the tournament. (corroborated by 23 sources) - India and Pakistan will face each other on October 10 in Johannesburg. (corroborated by 18 sources) - India will play Australia in their first group stage match on October 7 in Cape Town. (corroborated by 15 sources) - The tournament will feature a three-stage structure consisting of a Super Series, Group Stage, and Super 7 phase. (corroborated by 8 sources) - New playing conditions include a five-run penalty for batters who repeatedly waste time. (corroborated by 4 sources) - The official ticket ballot for the tournament opened on October 1, 2026. (corroborated by 3 sources) ## Timeline ### 2026-10-13: ICC Cricket World Cup 2027 ticket demand exceeds 15 million Ticket applications for the 2027 ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup have surpassed 15 million from 142 countries in just 12 days, signaling massive global interest in the South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Namibia event. 5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/icc-cricket-world-cup-2027-sees-over-15-million-ticket-applications ### 2026-10-12: Namibia, South Africa, and Zimbabwe to co-host 2027 Men’s Cricket World Cup Namibia, South Africa, and Zimbabwe will co-host the 2027 ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup, featuring 57 matches across 12 venues from October to November 2027. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/namibia-south-africa-and-zimbabwe-to-co-host-2027-mens-cricket-world-cup ### 2026-10-05: 2027 Cricket World Cup ticket applications exceed one million Ticket applications for the 2027 ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup have surpassed one million in just three days, with the India-Pakistan match seeing the highest demand. 12 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/icc-mens-cricket-world-cup-2027-ticket-ballot-opens ### 2026-10-05: 2027 ODI World Cup schedule features India-Pakistan clashes The 2027 ODI World Cup, hosted by South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Namibia, begins October 2. The schedule features multiple potential India vs. Pakistan clashes, starting October 10 in Johannesburg. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/2027-odi-world-cup-schedule-features-india-pakistan-clashes-1 ### 2026-10-02: ICC announces 2027 Cricket World Cup schedule and hosts The ICC has announced the 2027 Cricket World Cup schedule, to be hosted by South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Namibia. Virat Kohli confirmed it will be his final World Cup appearance. 6 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/icc-announces-2027-cricket-world-cup-schedule-and-hosts ### 2026-09-30: ICC announces 2027 Men’s Cricket World Cup schedule and format The ICC has announced the 2027 Men’s ODI World Cup schedule, to be co-hosted by South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Namibia. The 14-team tournament features a new three-stage format and includes a marquee India-vs-Pak 51 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/icc-mens-cricket-world-cup-2027-details-announced ### 2026-09-23: ICC considers changes to 2027-31 cricket calendar The ICC is discussing major changes to the 2027-31 cricket calendar, potentially reducing bilateral ODI series to make more room for T20 Internationals. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/icc-considers-changes-to-2027-31-cricket-calendar --- Cite as: ICC international cricket scheduling and ticket demand. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/icc-international-cricket-scheduling-and-format-updates