England in line to host the next three WTC Finals as ICC snubs India's ambitions - Reports
England are expected to host the next three World Test Championship (WTC) Finals as well, continuing the tradition since the inaugural edition in 2021. India will have to wait to stage the red-ball summit clash as the International Cricket Council (ICC) are close to handing over the hosting duties to the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) soon.
According to a report by The Telegraph, the hosting rights decision will be officially confirmed during next month's ICC Annual Conference in Singapore. ECB Officials have been informed of ICC's intentions, as the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) are oddly left out in the cold.
The powerful governing body has repeatedly expressed an interest in staging the showcase one-off contest in the past. Despite India's growing influence on and off the field, cemented further with Jay Shah's recent appointment as the ICC Chairman, the WTC Finals will continue to be contested in England itself.
"History and prestige means Lord’s will be the strong favourite to host the game again in 2027, but conversations over exactly where it is played remain at a nascent stage. London being a global travel hub makes the capital the natural choice, but more northerly venues could come into contention. In 2027, there is no Ashes Test north of Nottingham," the Telegraph report reads.
The 2025-27 WTC cycle, which will culminate in England, is also scheduled to start in the country as Ben Stokes and co. host India for a five-match Test series, beginning from June 20.
England have hosted three WTC Finals across three different venues since 2021
The inaugural WTC Final in 2021 was staged at the Ageas Bowl in Southampton. Lord's was initially slated to host the summit clash, but restrictions due to COVID-19 prevented it from staging it. The 'Home of Cricket' was also assigned the 2023 WTC Final, but sponsorship issues meant that the hosting duties went to The Oval.
Lord's finally availed the opportunity to host the WTC Final to conclude the 2023-25 cycle. The venue is currently witnessing the clash between Australia and South Africa, who are battling to win the coveted mace.
England has proved to be a solid choice as the host nation for the WTC Final. So far, it has proven to be a neutral venue since they are yet to finish in the top two of the points table. The title clashes have also brought out large numbers, with sellout crowds being a constant in recent times.