By The ICC has officially confirmed that England will continue to host the next three World Test Championship finals, locking in venues for the showcase event in 2027, 2029, and 2031. The decision was finalized at the ICC’s annual conference in Singapore, ending speculation about a potential shift of the WTC Final to India.
This move cements England’s role as the long-term neutral host of cricket’s premier Test-format showdown. The ECB’s successful record in staging the previous three WTC Finals — including the most recent one at Lord’s, where South Africa defeated Australia — played a key role in the ICC’s decision.
England’s Proven Track Record
Since the inaugural WTC Final in 2021, hosted under biosecure conditions at the Rose Bowl, England has demonstrated consistent success in organizing the event. The 2023 final at The Oval between Australia and India, and the 2025 edition at Lord’s, both witnessed packed crowds and high-quality cricket — factors that influenced the ICC’s vote of confidence.
Richard Gould, ECB CEO, welcomed the announcement:
We are absolutely delighted that England and Wales has been chosen to host the next three ICC World Test Championship Finals. It’s a testament to the passion that fans in this country have for this treasured format.
He emphasized the unmatched ability of English venues to attract full houses, even for neutral clashes — a challenge in other countries when neither host nation is involved.
Why Not India?
There had been growing interest within the BCCI to bring the WTC Final to India from 2027 onward. However, logistical concerns, including weather conditions, travel schedules, and neutral crowd turnout, seem to have played a role in keeping the final in England. ICC officials reportedly worry that staging the final elsewhere could risk lower attendance and dilute the event’s prestige.
Gould addressed this by saying:
Irrespective of who gets into the final, we will sell it out… We’re probably the only member nation within the ICC that could deliver that.
Venues Yet to Be Finalized
While Lord’s hosted the 2025 final with great fanfare, the ICC has not yet confirmed whether it will remain the permanent venue moving forward. The Oval and the Rose Bowl remain strong contenders depending on availability and scheduling in future seasons.
What This Means for Test Cricket
The continued hosting of the WTC Final in England reinforces the country’s role as the spiritual and logistical hub of Test cricket. It also provides clarity for teams aiming to qualify for the finals, knowing the conditions and venue style well in advance.
For fans, it means three more opportunities to witness the top two Test nations battle it out in historic English grounds — with full houses, summer atmospheres, and a stage worthy of Test cricket’s biggest prize.
