ICC declines India’s request to host upcoming WTC final: Report

BCCI's desire to host the final of the next edition's ICC World Test Championship Final (WTC Final) is all set to be rejected, and the hosting rights are likely to be held by the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB), the latest media report suggested. 

During the ongoing WTC Final 2025, a fresh report has claimed that, like the first three editions of the tournament, the ECB will be the host to arrange the next three WTC finals as well. Official confirmation is yet to come, but verbally the cricket governing body of England reportedly got the confirmation from the International Cricket Council (ICC). According to the media reports, the ICC is expected to confirm England’s hosting rights at its annual conference scheduled for July. If ECB receives the hosting rights as mentioned in the reports, then it can be extended through to 2031.

England has already arranged three finals, including the ongoing one between Australia and South Africa. There can be various factors behind preferring England over any other cricket-playing nation to arrange the 'ultimate Test' in each edition. The cricket-loving crowd in England often gathers in large numbers to witness a high-voltage Test match. Even the ongoing match at Lord's sees a full house for the first three days. Cricket fans' enthusiasm in the UK about the longest format of the game, no matter which two teams are performing, is possibly a definite factor to fix England as the probable host of the final for three more upcoming editions. 

Read More: WATCH: Faf Du Plessis takes eagle-like flying catch against MINY in MLC 2025

Though, there can be different opinions also, like in the recent past. Rohit Sharma and Pat Cummins questioned the venue for the final match. According to both Sharma and Cummins, the ICC should consider other countries too as the host of the WTC final. 

Rohit and Cummins raised questions before 

"It can be played any time of the year and anywhere in the world, not just in England," Rohit Sharma said. 

And, according to the Australia skipper, "It'd be nice if maybe the previous winner hosted that for the next time, or something like that." But as an alternative, I think having it at Lord's every cycle is also a pretty good place."