ECB Awarded Hosting Rights for the Next Three World Test Championship Finals
The International Cricket Council (ICC) has officially announced that the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) will retain hosting rights for the next three World Test Championship (WTC) Finals, scheduled for 2027, 2029, and 2031. This decision was confirmed at the ICC’s Annual Conference in 2025, held in Singapore, and extends the ECB’s successful history of hosting the finals after previously organizing events in 2021, 2023, and most recently in 2025.
The 2025 WTC Final took place at the iconic Lord’s Cricket Ground in London, where South Africa triumphed over Australia by five wickets, marking their first ICC trophy and ending a long-standing drought. The consistent attendance, smooth organization, and excellent pitch conditions were highlighted as key reasons for the ECB being granted hosting rights once again.
According to the ICC’s official statement, “The Board confirmed the awarding of hosting rights for the ICC World Test Championship Finals for the 2027, 2029, and 2031 editions to the England and Wales Cricket Board, following a successful track record in hosting recent finals.”
While this decision has been welcomed by many, it has also received criticism. Cricket boards and experts from around the world, including the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and Australian captain Pat Cummins, have urged the ICC to rotate hosting venues to ensure fairness and global representation. The BCCI had reportedly proposed India as a potential venue for future finals, but concerns over attendance if India did not reach the final, along with regional tensions, influenced the ICC’s choice of a neutral and proven venue.
Despite these discussions, the ICC stands firm in its decision, citing the popularity and operational ease of hosting events in England. The successful finals held at venues such as The Oval, Southampton, and Lord’s played a crucial role in the decision-making process.
Additionally, the ICC conference addressed other significant updates in cricket, including developments in women’s cricket in Afghanistan, the situation of USA Cricket, and the inclusion of two new members into the ICC.
As Test cricket continues to evolve through the WTC format, the ECB’s ongoing stewardship reflects the ICC’s trust in England’s ability to uphold the prestige and competitiveness of the red-ball format.
