The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) is set to secure hosting rights for the next three World Test Championship (WTC) finals, extending through 2031, according to The Telegraph. This would see England hosting the first six consecutive WTC finals, following those held in 2021 (Southampton), 2023 (The Oval), and the ongoing 2025 final at Lord’s.
🏟️ Why England Again?
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The International Cricket Council (ICC) is expected to formally confirm the deal at its July annual conference.
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The decision comes despite interest from India, which had hoped to bring the marquee event home in the future.
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England’s strong infrastructure, high crowd turnout, and the favourable June weather window make it the ICC’s preferred choice.
The ECB has reportedly received verbal confirmation, and the ongoing success of the 2025 final—with packed stadiums over the first three days—has only strengthened their case.
❗Criticism & Alternate Suggestions
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Rohit Sharma (2023):Questioned why the final is always after the IPL, suggesting March or other neutral venues could work better.
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Pat Cummins (2025):Suggested that previous WTC winners should earn the right to host the next final.
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Virat Kohli (2021) and Steve Smith (2025):Called for a best-of-three final rather than a one-off match. Smith admitted it would be “cool” but hard to fit into the already packed calendar.
🏏 What’s Next?
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The next WTC cycle begins on June 20, 2025, with England vs India at Headingley.
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With this deal, the ECB strengthens its role as the unofficial “home” of Test cricket’s biggest final, though debate over location, timing, and format will likely continue.
🔍 Summary
Despite ongoing suggestions for more flexible formats and venues, England remains the ICC’s most reliable host for WTC finals, at least through 2031. While players and fans push for change, for now, the tradition of a June final in English conditions is set to continue.
