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DUBAI: The International Cricket Council (ICC) has turned down the Board of Control for Cricket in India’s (BCCI) proposal to host future World Test Championship (WTC) Finals, sticking with England as the preferred venue for the marquee event.
Despite strong lobbying from the BCCI and growing calls for a rotational hosting model, the ICC has reportedly decided that the 2027, 2029, and 2031 WTC Finals will all be held in England, continuing the precedent set since the championship’s inception.
According to The Telegraph UK, the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has already been informed of the decision. The move is expected to be formally approved during the ICC’s Annual Conference in Singapore next month.
“English cricket is close to securing hosting rights for the next three WTC finals, despite India’s strong interest in bringing the event home,” the report stated.
“The decision is expected to be formalised at the ICC’s Annual Conference in Singapore next month, with preparations for the 2027 final to begin soon after the current edition concludes.”
So far, England has hosted all WTC Finals — Southampton in 2021 (NZ beat India), The Oval in 2023 (Australia beat India), and the 2025 edition currently underway at Lord’s between Australia and South Africa.
Although England continues to hold the hosting rights, the national team has yet to qualify for the WTC final.
Nevertheless, the ICC has decided to keep staging the WTC Finals in England due to substantial commercial benefits and logistical ease.
Preparations for the 2027 final are expected to begin soon after the current edition wraps up at Lord’s.
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