ICC turns down India’s request to host future WTC finals

The International Cricket Council (ICC) has turned down the Board of Control for Cricket in India’s (BCCI) request to host the upcoming World Test Championship (WTC) Finals, confirming that the next three finals — in 2027, 2029, and 2031 — will continue to be held in England, according to a report.

Despite repeated calls from the BCCI to rotate the WTC final among different Test-playing nations, the ICC has decided to maintain its current strategy of hosting the final in England.

As reported by The Telegraph UK, the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has already been informed of the ICC’s decision to stage the next three finals in the country.

Since the WTC was introduced in 2019, England has hosted all of its finals. New Zealand defeated India in the inaugural edition at Southampton in 2021, and Australia beat India at The Oval in 2023. The ongoing 2025 final between Australia and South Africa is currently taking place at Lord’s Cricket Ground in London.

“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 final decision will likely be formalised during the ICC’s Annual Conference in Singapore next month, with planning for the 2027 final expected to begin shortly after the current edition concludes.

Interestingly, although England has hosted every WTC final so far, its national team is yet to make an appearance in one. However, the ICC continues to choose England as the host due to commercial benefits and convenient logistics.