WTC final in England: ICC rejects India’s bid to host premier event

WTC final in England: ICC rejects India’s bid to host premier event
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WTC Final in England will remain a tradition after the International Cricket Council (ICC) confirmed that the 2027, 2029, and 2031 World Test Championship finals will all take place on English soil. The decision is a clear setback to the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), which had lobbied hard for India to stage at least one of the upcoming title matches.

WTC final in England: BCCI influence fades

The ICC’s announcement means that England will host six consecutive WTC finals. Lord’s welcomed South Africa and Australia in the 2025 edition, and the famous ground along with The Oval is set to remain the preferred venue. According to sources, England was chosen again for its neutral setting, reliable early summer weather, and historic Test culture.

The BCCI had argued that India deserved to host the marquee event, citing the country’s huge fan base and modern stadiums. However, ICC board members were not convinced. They pointed out that England offers easier travel for competing teams and avoids scheduling clashes with India’s monsoon season.

Cricket analysts say the ruling underlines the limits of BCCI’s influence when decisions involve neutrality and tradition. While India commands global broadcasting revenue and hosts the IPL, the ICC has kept its flagship Test final in conditions familiar to all major teams.

Indian officials have expressed disappointment but have not issued a formal protest. Meanwhile, English cricket chiefs celebrated the news, calling it a boost for Test cricket in the UK.

For fans, the decision means that the next three WTC cycles will end where they started in England’s storied grounds, continuing a pattern that began with the inaugural 2021 final at The Oval.

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