The International Cricket Council (ICC) is reportedly planning to retain England as the host nation for the next three World Test Championship (WTC) finals in 2027, 2029, and 2031, despite growing interest from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to bring the marquee event to the subcontinent.
Since the inception of the WTC in 2019, England has served as the consistent host. The inaugural final in 2021 saw New Zealand defeat India in Southampton, followed by Australia’s triumph over India at The Oval in 2023. The ongoing 2025 edition between Australia and South Africa is being played at the iconic Lord’s Cricket Ground in London.
While the venue has delivered in terms of ticket sales and broadcast ratings, several voices within the cricketing fraternity, especially from India, have advocated for a rotation policy to spread the tournament’s global appeal.
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According to The Telegraph UK, the ICC has already communicated its intent to the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB), confirming that England will continue to host the finals in the next three WTC cycles. The decision is expected to be formally approved at the ICC’s Annual Conference in Singapore next month, allowing the ECB to begin preparations for the 2027 final soon after the current edition concludes.
India’s WTC ambitions to take severe ICC blow as report claims, “despite an attempt from…”#ICC #WTC https://t.co/goKSW9LAhJ pic.twitter.com/JTICFaZqbq
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This move has disappointed some top players and administrators. After India’s loss in the 2023 final, Rohit Sharma had questioned the rationale behind scheduling the final in June, particularly right after the IPL, and why England is always chosen. Ahead of the 2025 final, Australia’s skipper Pat Cummins echoed similar sentiments, suggesting that the hosting rights should either go to the defending champions or rotate among cricketing nations.
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However, the ICC seems to favour England for its reliable weather infrastructure, historical venues, and commercial advantages. While rotation remains a fair idea in principle, for now, the prestige and practicality of English venues appear to have sealed the decision. Preparations for the 2027 final are already on the cards, reinforcing England’s status as the unofficial home of WTC finales.
