The dream of hosting the World Test Championship Final may have to wait for Indian cricket fans. According to a report by The Telegraph, England is set to host the next three WTC finals, crushing the Indian cricket board’s hopes of bringing the event to their shores.
This news comes as a blow to the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), which has been trying to secure the hosting rights for the past six years. Despite its growing influence in world cricket, the BCCI has failed to convince the International Cricket Council (ICC) to grant India the hosting rights.
If England retains hosting rights until the 2029-31 season, India will have to wait nearly eight years for its chance to host the WTC final. The ICC is expected to make an official announcement at its annual conference in Singapore in July 2025.
The first WTC final was held in 2021 at Southampton, with India facing off against New Zealand. The second final took place in 2023 at The Oval in London, featuring India and Australia. The current final is being played between Australia and South Africa at Lord’s.
Background
The BCCI has been keen to host the WTC final, but its efforts have been in vain so far. Even with Jay Shah, the former secretary of the BCCI, serving as the ICC chairman, India’s bid to host the event has not been successful.
Upcoming WTC Finals
Here are the upcoming WTC finals:
- 2025: England (host)
- 2027: England (host)
- 2029: England (host)
India’s wait to host the WTC final continues, and it remains to be seen when the country will finally get its chance to showcase this prestigious event.