Former India head coach Ravi Shastri has challenged the long-standing tradition of hosting the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) Final exclusively in England, making a bold case for future editions to be played in larger, more crowd-friendly venues like Ahmedabad and Melbourne.
Shastri says it’s time to “start shifting”
Speaking on the Wisden Cricket Podcast, Shastri acknowledged the initial logic behind choosing Lord’s as the WTC Final venue, but said it’s time for a rethink:
“I think to start off initially, it’s good if it’s here (Lord’s) actually. Once it gets the popularity and eyebrows it deserves, then it can start shifting.”
Shastri emphasized the importance of maximizing attendance and global interest in the one-off Test, adding:
“But I think the MCG can be a great place for a World Test Championship Final. Ahmedabad can be a great place for the WTC Final. Basically, the places where you can draw a crowd. Because Lord’s is not a 100,000‑seater stadium. So, irrespective of which team is playing, you know you will get a good crowd.”
WTC Finals stuck in England — for now
All three WTC Finals so far — in 2021 (Southampton), 2023 (The Oval), and 2025 (Lord’s) — have taken place in England. Despite growing calls for a rotation system, including from Australian captain Pat Cummins who once suggested defending champions should host the final, the ICC remains committed to the UK.
According to the ICC’s Future Tours Program, Lord’s is also scheduled to host the 2027 final, with England reportedly in line for the 2029 and 2031 editions as well. India’s bid to host a future WTC Final was recently rejected, with the ICC citing England’s track record of drawing strong neutral crowds as a key factor.
Bigger stadiums, broader appeal
Shastri’s remarks come at a time when cricket stakeholders are increasingly focused on making Test cricket more marketable. The Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, with a capacity exceeding 100,000, hosted the 2023 ICC ODI World Cup Final. The MCG, one of the most iconic stadiums globally, has proven its appeal across formats.
By suggesting these venues, Shastri taps into the growing sentiment that the WTC Final should not just be about prestige, but also reach and accessibility — particularly as the ICC looks to elevate the championship’s global standing.
A call for change
Shastri’s comments spotlight a growing debate around the future of Test cricket’s biggest event. As the WTC builds momentum and fan interest, the push to take the final to bigger and more diverse cricketing venues could gain traction — especially with high-profile voices like Shastri’s behind it.
For now, Lord’s retains its status as the spiritual home of cricket and the go-to WTC Final host. But the calls for a change are getting louder — and harder to ignore.
