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Cricket fans in India hoping to see the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) Final on home soil will have to wait longer. The International Cricket Council (ICC), in its annual conference on July 20, confirmed that England will continue to host the WTC Finals till 2031.
England Retains Hosting Rights for Three More Editions
The ICC announced that the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) will host the WTC Finals in 2027, 2029, and 2031. The decision comes after England successfully hosted the previous finals at Southampton (2021), The Oval (2023), and the upcoming edition scheduled at Lord’s in 2025.
In its official statement, the ICC said, “The Board also confirmed the awarding of hosting rights for the ICC World Test Championship Finals for the 2027, 2029, and 2031 editions to the ECB, following a successful track record in hosting recent finals.”
Why England Over India?
Reports earlier suggested that the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) was keen on bringing the marquee event to Indian venues. However, logistical advantages and England’s early summer window ideal for scheduling the Test finale tipped the scales in ECB’s favour.
England’s experience in hosting global cricket events and its neutral venue status for most participating teams were also cited as factors behind the decision.
With this decision, England cements its role as the home of WTC Finals for the foreseeable future. Indian fans may have to wait beyond 2031 to witness the prestigious Test summit clash on their turf. Meanwhile, Lord’s, The Oval, and possibly other iconic English venues will continue to set the stage for cricket’s ultimate Test showdown.
