England will continue to host the World Test Championship (WTC) finals through 2031, according to an exclusive report by the Telegraph UK’s Will Macpherson, marking a significant setback for India’s efforts to bring the marquee Test event to home soil.
As Macpherson states, “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 decision, while not yet officially ratified, is expected to be confirmed at the International Cricket Council’s (ICC) Annual Conference in Singapore next month.
“The decision is expected to be formalised at the ICC’s Annual Conference in Singapore next month, with preparations for the 2027 final to begin soon after the current edition concludes,” the report adds.
India’s proposal rejected despite repeated lobbying
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) had pushed hard to host the 2027 WTC final, advocating for a rotation of the event among Test-playing nations. According to the Telegraph report, the BCCI “repeatedly” called for rotating the WTC final among different Test-playing nations, hoping to leverage India’s passionate fanbase and commercial muscle to bring the game home.
Earlier this year, IPL chairperson Arun Singh Dhumal communicated India’s interest to the ICC. A source close to the development, as quoted by Sportstar, said, “If India reaches the next WTC final, then it will be a great spectacle for the fans. Even otherwise (if India does not feature in the final), a match involving two other top teams will have a lot of takers.”
Despite those efforts, the ICC opted for continuity—choosing England, which has hosted the WTC finals in 2021 (Southampton), 2023 (The Oval), and 2025 (Lord’s), to continue doing so through 2031.
Why England remains ICC’s preferred venue
The ICC’s decision is underpinned by several logistical and commercial considerations. The WTC Final is held in June, when England offers ideal Test cricket conditions—mild temperatures, lower rain risk, and packed stadiums. London’s global connectivity also simplifies travel for teams, officials, and fans.
Venues like Lord’s and The Oval bring prestige and tradition, and the report suggests Lord’s is the early favorite to host again in 2027. With no Ashes Test scheduled north of Nottingham that year, even northern venues might enter the conversation, but London remains the frontrunner.
England hosts, but stays on the sidelines
Interestingly, England have yet to qualify for any of the WTC finals they’ve hosted. That paradox has contributed to a somewhat uneasy relationship with the tournament. In the Telegraph report, England’s Test captain Ben Stokes labeled the format “utterly confusing”, citing the unequal number of matches played by teams and contentious over-rate penalties.
What’s next
The ICC’s Annual Conference in Singapore is expected to finalize England’s hosting rights for the 2027, 2029, and 2031 WTC Finals. With informal approval already in hand, the ECB will begin early preparations as soon as the 2025 final concludes.
For India, the decision marks a diplomatic setback, despite its rising influence within the ICC and global cricket economy. As it stands, England will remain the home of the WTC Final for the foreseeable future.
