India has faced heartbreak in both of their previous ICC World Test Championship (WTC) final appearances. While the third edition’s final is currently underway, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) had expressed interest in hosting a future WTC final on home soil. However, the International Cricket Council (ICC) is likely to reject that proposal, with a final decision expected in July.
According to British daily The Guardian, speculation is rife at Lord’s—where South Africa and Australia are contesting the current final—that England may retain the hosting rights for the next three WTC finals. This comes despite BCCI’s earlier interest, expressed in April by Arun Singh Dhumal, former BCCI treasurer and current IPL chairman, in hosting the 2027 final in India.
Given the BCCI’s influential position in global cricket, many assumed their request would carry significant weight. However, the report mentions that current ICC chairman and former BCCI secretary Jay Shah has been impressed by the ongoing final at Lord’s. As a result, the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) is likely to be awarded hosting rights for future WTC finals. The official decision will be made at the ICC’s Annual Governing Body Conference in Singapore next month.
Previously, the first WTC final was held in Southampton, where India lost to New Zealand. The second final took place at The Oval, where India once again fell short, this time to Australia. Australia, now the defending champions, are playing the current final at Lord’s. If the current discussions materialize, England could retain hosting rights for the WTC finals until 2031, a move backed by the country’s strong Test cricket reputation and consistently high crowd attendance. Additionally, English conditions are considered relatively neutral and fair for both sides.
There’s also a political hurdle to hosting the final in India. Due to ongoing tensions between India and arch-rival Pakistan, bilateral cricketing ties between the two nations remain suspended. While Pakistan did travel to India for the 2023 World Cup, they have since requested that their matches in future ICC tournaments be held at neutral venues. As a result, the ICC is factoring in the logistical and diplomatic challenges of staging a final in either India or Pakistan.
Meanwhile, on the field, South Africa is on the brink of making history. Aside from their 1998 Champions Trophy win, they have never claimed a major ICC title. Now, they stand just 69 runs away from victory in the WTC final, having finished Day 3 at 213 for 2 while chasing 282 against Australia. With eight wickets in hand and two days remaining, the Proteas are in prime position to seal a landmark win.
