World Test Championship: ICC reveals hosts for next three WTC finals

In a major announcement that underscores the tradition and appeal of English cricket venues, the International Cricket Council (ICC) has confirmed that England will host the finals of the next three cycles of the World Test Championship (WTC), covering the years 2027, 2029, and 2031. The decision, finalized at the ICC’s annual conference in Singapore, extends England’s run as the sole host of the marquee Test event, following successful tournaments in 2021, 2023 and most recently 2025.

Reason behind ICC’s decision

The ICC’s Board cited England’s “successful track record in hosting recent finals” as a decisive factor in awarding the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) the rights for three more editions. The packed stands and enthusiastic crowds seen at Lord’s, The Oval and the Rose Bowl have demonstrated the tournament’s growing stature and fan engagement in the UK, even in the absence of the England team in these matches.

ECB Chief Executive Richard Gould expressed delight at the announcement, highlighting the privilege of being entrusted with these prestigious matches. “Hosting these finals is an immense honour, reflecting the deep-rooted enthusiasm of English and international fans for Test cricket,” Gould said in his official statement.

Notably, India made a strong pitch to host at least the 2027 WTC final, arguing for more geographical diversity in venues and parity for finalists from across the cricketing world. However, the ICC opted for continuity, amid concerns about crowd turnout in the subcontinent if the Indian team did not reach the final and ongoing complexities in regional cricket politics.

This decision means that, despite widespread calls for rotating the finals among cricketing nations—including recommendations from players and pundits—the WTC showpiece will stay in the ‘Home of Cricket’ for at least six more years.

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Overview of previous WTC finals

All three WTC finals to date have taken place in England:

• 2021 at The Rose Bowl, Southampton: New Zealand clinched their maiden ICC Test trophy, defeating India under bio-secure conditions.
• 2023 at The Oval, London: Australia triumphed over India in a sold-out contest.
• 2025 at Lord’s, London: South Africa captured their first world Test crown by defeating the defending champions Australia before a total of 109,227 fans over four days.

The consistency of high attendance and global digital engagement (the 2025 final alone attracted 225 million digital views) has further bolstered England’s case to continue as host.

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