ICC Plans to Hold Next Three WTC Finals in England, Informs ECB

The International Cricket Council (ICC) has turned down the Board of Control for Cricket in India’s (BCCI) request to host the World Test Championship (WTC) Final. The ICC has communicated that the subsequent three finals, scheduled for 2027, 2029, and 2031, will remain in England.

Despite the BCCI’s increasing appeals for the championship final to be hosted in various cricket-playing nations, the ICC is dedicated to maintaining its tradition of organizing the event in England.

The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has been formally apprised of the ICC’s intentions to continue hosting the next three finals in England.

Since the WTC’s establishment in 2019, two champions have been crowned. New Zealand secured victory in the inaugural final against India in Southampton in 2021, while Australia triumphed over India at The Oval in 2023.

The ongoing 2025 final, featuring Australia and South Africa, is currently being held at Lord’s Cricket Ground.

Reports indicate that English cricket is on the verge of securing hosting rights for the upcoming three WTC finals, despite India’s strong desire to host the event on their home soil.

The official decision is anticipated to be confirmed at the ICC’s Annual Conference in Singapore next month, with preparations for the 2027 final set to commence following the conclusion of the current edition.

Notably, while England has consistently hosted every WTC final, their national team has yet to qualify for the final match. The ICC’s choice to continue staging the WTC Finals in England is influenced by substantial commercial advantages and logistical convenience. Planning for the 2027 final is expected to begin soon after the present championship ends.