The ICC rejects India’s bid to host WTC Final, reaffirming that England will continue to host the World Test Championship finals for the next three cycles—2027, 2029, and 2031. Despite growing pressure from cricketing powerhouses like India and calls from top captains Rohit Sharma and Pat Cummins to rotate venues, the ICC appears firm in its decision to stick with England due to commercial and logistical advantages. This development, first reported by The Telegraph UK, has sparked debates across the cricketing world.
England to Remain the Permanent Host of WTC Final
Since the inception of the World Test Championship (WTC) in 2019, all three finals have been hosted in England—Southampton in 2021, The Oval in 2023, and the ongoing 2025 final at Lord’s. New Zealand and Australia were crowned champions in the first two editions. The current final between Australia and South Africa sees the Proteas in a strong position heading into Day 4 at Lord’s, possibly making them the third WTC champion.
Although England hasn’t qualified for any WTC final yet, the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has secured hosting rights for the next three WTC finals. The decision is expected to be officially approved at the ICC Annual Conference in Singapore next month.
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India and Australia Urged Venue Rotation – ICC Rejects India’s Bid to Host WTC Final Until 2031
BCCI had actively lobbied for India to host at least one WTC final, citing the country’s fan base, cricketing infrastructure, and growing revenue potential. Former India captain Rohit Sharma raised concerns after India’s 2023 loss at The Oval, questioning the logic of holding finals in June right after the IPL, stating:
“Why always in June in England? Why not in March or any other time in India or elsewhere?”
Similarly, Australian skipper Pat Cummins proposed that defending champions should host the final. Before the 2025 edition, he suggested:
“Maybe the previous winner hosts it next time. Or rotate it globally.”
Despite these suggestions, ICC’s decision reportedly hinges on strong ticket sales, time-zone suitability, and weather familiarity in England during June. These commercial benefits seemingly outweigh the global appeal of rotating venues.
Commercial Interests Trump Cricketing Fairness
The ICC’s decision, while practical from a business standpoint, raises questions about fairness and inclusivity in world cricket. Countries like India, with their massive viewership and modern stadiums, seem sidelined despite contributing significantly to the sport’s revenue.
The move also contradicts the idea of truly global representation in the WTC format. Keeping the final in England for five consecutive cycles diminishes opportunities for other cricket-loving nations to experience this marquee event firsthand.
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Final Decision Awaits Rubber-Stamping in Singapore
The final seal of approval is expected during the ICC Annual Meeting in Singapore in July 2025, after which the ECB will start preparations for the 2027 final. While Lord’s remains a favorite venue, no official announcement has been made for the exact stadium yet.
This news delivers a significant setback for India’s ambitions and also reflects the ICC’s continued prioritization of tried-and-tested Western venues over the sport’s fastest-growing markets in Asia.
Conclusion
The news that the ICC rejects India’s bid to host WTC Final signals a missed opportunity for cricket globalization. While England remains a historic venue, the spirit of the World Test Championship would be better served by allowing diverse cricketing cultures to take center stage. As fans await the ICC’s final word in July, the debate about venue fairness and commercial control in cricket is bound to intensify.
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Check ICC Men’s Test Rankings for team performance updates