WTC finals return to England through 2031
The International Cricket Council has confirmed that England will remain the home of the World Test Championship Final for the next three editions—2027, 2029, and 2031. The decision, announced at the ICC’s annual conference in Singapore, extends the England and Wales Cricket Board’s (ECB) streak of hosting every WTC final since the competition’s inception.
ICC confirms @englandcricket will host the next three World Test Championship finals.https://t.co/M14Zd2ErmZ
— ICC (@ICC) July 21, 2025
The ICC cited England’s proven success in staging previous finals as the key reason behind the move, describing the decision as being made “following a successful track record in hosting recent finals.”
Proven formula: England’s winning hosting model
The WTC Final has become a staple in the English cricket calendar. The inaugural edition in 2021, played under biosecure conditions in Southampton, saw New Zealand defeat India. The 2023 final at The Oval and the recent 2025 edition at Lord’s—where South Africa toppled defending champions Australia—drew large crowds and major global attention. The ICC reported that the 2025 final attracted a total of 109,227 fans over four days and generated 225 million digital views.
Although England has yet to qualify for a WTC final, the local appetite for Test cricket and the country’s infrastructure continue to make it an ideal host.
ECB celebrates global confidence in Test cricket’s traditional home
ECB Chief Executive Richard Gould expressed pride in the announcement:
“We are absolutely delighted that England and Wales has been chosen to host the next three ICC World Test Championship finals.”
He added:
“It’s a testament to the passion that fans in this country have for this treasured format of the game and the willingness of supporters from around the world to travel here for these games.”
Gould further emphasized the ECB’s commitment to raising the bar in partnership with the global cricket body:
“Hosting these finals is a privilege, and we look forward to working with the ICC to build on the success of the previous editions.”
What it means for Test cricket and the global calendar
The ICC’s decision to anchor the World Test Championship Final in England through 2031 reinforces its commitment to maintaining prestige around the format’s ultimate prize. With fans consistently filling stadiums and digital engagement surging, the WTC final is evolving into one of the most anticipated events on the international cricket calendar.
For the ECB, it’s more than just a hosting gig—it’s a vote of confidence in England as the spiritual and logistical home of Test cricket.
