The International Cricket Council (ICC) has confirmed that England will host the next three ICC World Test Championship (WTC) Finals in 2027, 2029, and 2031.
The confirmation was formalised following a vote at the ICC’s annual conference in Singapore, ensuring England remains the world leader in offering the annual Test cricket final.
Why England Was Chosen Once More for the WTC Finals
In spite of previous speculation that India could be staging the WTC Finals from 2027 onward, the ICC highlighted the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB)’s “strong record in hosting recent finals” as the deciding factor.
From hosting the opening final in 2021 at the Hampshire Bowl, through the sold-out crowds at the Kia Oval (2023) and most recently at Lord’s (2025), England has managed to deliver both attendance and atmosphere for crowds, even for neutral-team matches.
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ECB Responds: A Success Story of England’s Passion for Cricket
ECB Chief Executive Richard Gould had this to say about the decision:
We are thoroughly thrilled that England and Wales have been selected to stage the next three ICC World Test Championship Finals. It speaks volumes for the enthusiasm that supporters in this nation feel for Test cricket and the desire of international fans to come here.”
Gould also pointed out England’s unparalleled capacity to sell out neutral games, an important sporting and commercial factor to the ICC.
June Window Still Best for ICC WTC Finals
The June window, at the beginning of the English summer, continues to be the ICC’s favourite to hold the WTC Finals. It is a slot immediately after the IPL and does not conflict with any other international series, allowing for maximum availability of top players and maximum worldwide viewership.
Neutral Hubs and Atmosphere: England’s Edge
One of the strongest arguments for the retention of the WTC Finals in England is the guarantee of robust crowd support, even for two neutral teams. This has been evidenced as recently as when South Africa beat Australia at Lord’s in 2025, having previously been witnessed in 2023 with Australia beating India at the Kia Oval.
Speaking to ESPNcricinfo, Richard Gould added:
We don’t think we have a divine right to stage the WTC Finals in perpetuity, but England is possibly the only place that promises packed stadiums no matter which teams make it. Relocating it elsewhere threatens gaps in seats and a watered-down spectacle.”
Future Hosts: Will Lord’s Remain the Venue?
Although England has been officially confirmed as the host country, the ICC still hasn’t made the final decision on whether Lord’s will continue to be the main venue for subsequent WTC Finals. Other options, such as The Kia Oval or Old Trafford, might enter the picture based on logistical and strategic considerations.
ICC Places Its Bets on England’s
By confirming this decision, the ICC has chosen loyalty, prominence, and global engagement by granting England an additional three WTC Finals. While the tournament is gaining international prominence, this helps to uphold the tournament’s deciding legacy as it plays out in a country that has the ability to guarantee sell-out crowds and iconic grounds.
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