In a significant development for international cricket, the International Cricket Council (ICC) has turned down the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI)’s proposal to host the upcoming finals of the World Test Championship (WTC).
As per several reports, India had formally expressed interest in hosting the WTC finals for the 2027, 2029, and 2031 cycles. However, the ICC has opted to keep the finals in England, continuing the tradition of holding the showpiece event in the UK.
According to The Telegraph, the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) had already outlined its plans to host the finals of the next three WTC editions, which the ICC has now accepted. With this decision, England will host its third, fourth, and fifth consecutive WTC finals.
The first two editions of the WTC final were also held in England—New Zealand triumphed over India in 2021, and Australia secured the title against India again in 2023 at The Oval.
Currently, the 2025 WTC final is underway at the historic Lord’s Cricket Ground between Australia and South Africa, with the Proteas being widely regarded as the favorites to clinch their maiden title.
Ironically, while England continues to serve as the neutral venue for the grand finale, their own team has failed to reach the final in all three editions held on home soil.
