With the much-anticipated five-Test series between India and England set to begin in less than a week, a new World Test Championship (WTC) cycle is about to take flight. Shubman Gill will lead India for the first time in Tests, while Ben Stokes’ England would not want to miss out on a WTC final spot this time around.
But even before a ball is bowled, the cricketing heavyweights are locking horns off the field, with the International Cricket Council (ICC) set to decide which country gets to host the WTC finals for the next three editions.
WTC Final hosting rights: ECB ahead of BCCI as of now
While India expressed interest during recent ICC meetings to bring the showpiece event home, the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) appears to have moved ahead in the race. As per the Telegraph, the ICC has verbally conveyed its intention to continue staging the finals in England, with formal approval expected at next month’s Annual Conference in Singapore. If confirmed, England will host the 2027, 2029 and 2031 finals, stretching its monopoly on the event to six straight years since its inception in 2019.
Why is England a perfect choice as hosts?
There are strong reasons behind England’s continued favouritism. June fits well in the cricket calendar—after the IPL and before most bilateral Test series.
Just as seen in the ongoing Australia vs South Africa WTC 2023-25 final, England offers stable early-summer weather, a time zone suitable for global broadcasts, and crucially, the ability to draw crowds for neutral matches due to its multicultural population.
The current final between Australia and South Africa at Lord’s, despite India’s absence, drew over 75,000 fans in the first three days, due to diaspora support and affordable ticketing. As credited by many Indian fans as well, the broadcasting and viewing experience has been fantastic, to say the least, as well.
Why India deserves a shoutout as well?
However, India’s argument is not without merit. With unmatched financial clout, a vast fan base, and its dominant influence in world cricket, India’s desire to stage at least one WTC final appears justified.
Hosting the final in India would reward its loyal Test-following public and represent subcontinental conditions on the biggest stage. England have had a chance to host the first three WTC finals. Hence, there should be shouts of a different country to host the summit clash. Notably, the ongoing freeze in Indo-Pak bilateral ties, could complicate neutral tournaments.
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