ICC World Cup 2019: India vs Pakistan biggest draw as ticket demand sees new high

London: With less than a year left for the ICC Cricket World Cup 2019, excitement has hit the shores of England and Wales, with an exciting response in the first round of ticket ballots. Till now, over one million tickets have been applied. As a result, now 42 of the 48 matches will be balloted, read a statement.

The Old Trafford fixture between India and Pakistan proved to be the most popular, receiving enough applications to fill Wembley Stadium twice over, closely followed by the final at Lord's on July 14.

"The response has been fantastic, not only domestically in England and Wales, but from fans around the world, which gives us enormous satisfaction as we work towards making this a truly global celebration of cricket," said ICC Cricket World Cup 2019 Managing Director Steve Elworthy.

"We expected a high demand for tickets, so we are pleased we could reward the players, coaches, umpires and supporters who make up the Cricket Family via priority access. We look forward to seeing the excitement continue when the Public Ballot opens later this summer," Elworthy added.

Fans will hear if they have been successful or not in the Cricket Family Ballot next week.

There will then be another opportunity to purchase the remaining tickets when the ICC Cricket World Cup 2019 Public Ballot opens on August 1, which will be the first time the tickets will be on general release.

The same system for the Cricket Family Ballot will be implemented, with ticket allocations being decided on completion of the ballot period on August 29.

Tickets for all matches at every price band will be available in the ICC Cricket World Cup 2019 Public Ballot, with limited allocation for the most popular games.

Fans will be reminded to consider back up options for matches to attend, as the 10-team round robin of matches provides plenty of opportunities for fans to see their favourite team.

Tickets for children are available from six pounds, with a family of four able to go to selected group games for as little as 44 pounds.

Remaining tickets will go on general sale on a first-come, first-served basis later in 2018.