The ICC World Cup 2019 is less than a year away and the excitement for the same among the fans has already 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 from ICC.

India and Pakistan will lock horns at The Old Trafford stadium and the venue is receiving enough applications to fill Wembley Stadium twice over, closely followed by the final at Lord’s on July 14.

Talking about the same, ICC World Cup 2019 MD Steve Elworthy said, “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. 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.”

ALSO READ: ICC World Women’s T20 Schedule Announced

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 will open 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.

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