The upcoming third ICC World Test Championship (WTC) final will take place at Lord’s Cricket Ground, the ‘Home of Cricket’, from 11 to 15 June, where Australia will defend their title against South Africa. This marks the second consecutive year that London will host the marquee match, with the 2023 final held at the neighbouring Oval, where Australia triumphed over India by 209 runs.
However, despite the historic venue’s prestige, there are financial concerns surrounding the event. Reports suggest that Lord’s could lose up to £4 million in revenue due to a combination of factors, primarily the absence of India, a team long expected to compete in the final.
According to The Times, the Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC), which owns Lord’s, had originally priced tickets at a premium rate, anticipating India’s participation and the expected demand for tickets. The assumption was that India’s presence would create overwhelming demand, “outstripping supply.” However, India’s failure to qualify for the final has led the MCC to lower ticket prices in an effort to boost sales and ensure a “more vibrant stadium.” Ticket prices are now being sold between £40 and £90, a reduction of £50 from the original rates set with India’s inclusion in mind. For those members who had already purchased tickets at the higher price, the difference has been refunded.
India’s journey to the WTC final was a rollercoaster. After losing to New Zealand in the inaugural WTC final in 2021, and again to them in 2023, India appeared poised to make a third consecutive appearance. They started strong in the 2023-25 cycle, defeating West Indies 1-0, drawing with South Africa 1-1, and thrashing England 4-1 at home. A 2-0 sweep against Bangladesh in 2024 further solidified their hopes. However, a crushing 0-3 home defeat to New Zealand left India needing a series win in Australia to qualify, but they ultimately fell short, losing 1-3 Down Under, thus missing out on the final.
Meanwhile, South Africa has secured their place in the final after a dominant run, recording three consecutive 2-0 sweeps. They defeated Bangladesh away, then went on to top the table with victories against Sri Lanka and Pakistan at home. This marks South Africa’s second consecutive appearance in an ICC event final.
The financial situation at Lord’s underlines the significant impact that India’s absence will have on the event’s success. While the historic venue will still host the final, the loss in potential revenue highlights the challenges faced by organizers, especially given the high expectations initially set.
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Name of Author: Cricexec Staff
