'Lords is great but…' - Ravi Shastri makes bold pitch for WTC final in India
Ravi Shastri urges the ICC to rotate World Test Championship finals to larger venues like Ahmedabad’s Narendra Modi Stadium and the MCG, highlighting the need for greater crowds and global appeal.
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Ravi Shastri, the former head coach and cricket player for India, has advocated for the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) final to be held in larger venues in the future, such as the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad or the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG). Although Shastri agreed that England is a suitable location for the time being, he thinks the tournament will soon have the opportunity to reach a wider audience and make a bigger impact.
Speaking on the Wisden Cricket podcast, Shastri said, “To start off, it’s good if it’s here (Lord’s). Once it gets the popularity and attention it deserves, then it can start shifting. MCG can be a great place for a WTC Final. Ahmedabad can be a great place. Basically, venues where you can draw a crowd.”
All three editions of the WTC final so far have been held in England. The inaugural 2021 final between India and New Zealand took place at Southampton. The 2023 final between India and Australia was played at The Oval, and most recently, Lord’s hosted the 2025 final between Australia and South Africa.
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Shastri Urges ICC to Rotate WTC Final Venues, Cites Ahmedabad and MCG as Ideal Future Hosts
Despite none of the finals featuring England, the ECB has been consistent in delivering strong crowds and supporting the format. However, Shastri pointed out that Lord’s doesn’t have the capacity of 100,000-seat venues like Ahmedabad or the MCG, which could provide the WTC final with greater fanfare and visibility.
India had expressed interest in hosting the 2027 final, but the ICC awarded it to Lord’s again, favouring England’s support for neutral Tests. Reports also suggest that England could host the 2029 and 2031 finals as well.
Shastri believes it’s time for the ICC to consider rotating the WTC final, just like other global tournaments. “If Test cricket is to grow, especially in today’s era of packed T20 calendars, the final must feel like a grand event. Big crowds, big venues, that’s what it deserves.” For now, Lord’s remains the home of the WTC final. But voices like Shastri’s may soon push the ICC to think bigger.
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