In a significant decision that reaffirms its commitment to stability and tradition, the International Cricket Council (ICC) has turned down the Board of Control for Cricket in India’s (BCCI) proposal to host future editions of the World Test Championship (WTC) Final on Indian soil. The ICC has instead opted to keep England as the venue for the finals in 2027, 2029, and 2031.
England Retains Hosting Rights
The ICC’s move cements England’s position as the permanent host of the WTC Final for the foreseeable future. Having already hosted the first three editions — in Southampton (2021), The Oval (2023), and Lord’s (2025) — England’s cricket infrastructure and historical prestige have played key roles in the decision. The ICC believes that the consistency and logistical ease provided by English venues make them ideal for a tournament of such global significance.
BCCI’s Ambitious Proposal
The BCCI, leveraging India’s vast cricketing infrastructure and immense fan base, had pushed for a rotational model that would allow India to host at least one final during the next cycle. The proposal was backed by the argument that India, as the world’s largest cricket market, deserved the opportunity to showcase the marquee Test event at home. Additionally, a WTC Final in India would have aligned with the time zones of a significant chunk of the global cricket audience.
ICC’s Concerns and Reasoning
The ICC, however, raised several concerns:
Neutral Venue Integrity: A final in India could pose questions of neutrality, especially if the Indian team qualified.
Political Complications: The possibility of an India-Pakistan final raised concerns due to the tense diplomatic ties between the two nations.
Commercial Stability: England guarantees steady ticket sales, hospitality revenue, and broadcasting appeal regardless of which teams qualify.
Operational Readiness: Familiarity with English venues and their proven ability to host global events played a crucial role.
What Lies Ahead
The WTC cycle for 2025–2027 is scheduled to begin soon after the 2025 final. While India will continue to be a dominant force on the field, it will not have the opportunity to host the final anytime soon. The 2027 WTC Final is set to take place at Lord’s, maintaining the continuity that the ICC considers crucial for a flagship event in the traditional format of the game.
Despite the setback, the BCCI is expected to continue lobbying for a more inclusive and rotational hosting model in the future. For now, though, the ICC has made it clear: tradition and tested logistics take precedence over new ambitions.
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