England Proudly Confirmed to Host Next Three World Test Championship Finals: 2027, 2029 & 2031

England Proudly Confirmed to Host Next Three World Test Championship Finals: 2027, 2029 & 2031

England has officially been chosen to host the next three World Test Championship Finals in 2027, 2029, and 2031, following the success of the previous three editions held in the country since 2021. This major decision was confirmed during the International Cricket Council (ICC) annual conference in Singapore earlier this week.

The most recent of the World Test Championship Finals took place last month at Lord’s, where South Africa defeated Australia by five wickets. That final, combined with the strong organization and enthusiastic crowd support, convinced the ICC to stick with England for future finals.

Although there was earlier talk about India possibly taking over as host from 2027, the ICC decided otherwise. England’s consistent performance in hosting big matches and the passion of the local fans played a big role in this call.

ECB Chief Delighted by ICC’s Trust

England Proudly Confirmed to Host Next Three World Test Championship Finals: 2027, 2029 & 2031

Richard Gould, the chief executive of the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB), expressed his joy over the decision. He said, “We are absolutely delighted that England and Wales has been chosen to host the next three ICC World Test Championship Finals. This reflects the incredible support for Test cricket in this country and how fans worldwide love to be part of these special events.”

Gould added that hosting the World Test Championship Finals is an honour for the ECB, and they look forward to making the upcoming events even better with the ICC’s support.

The finals are expected to be played in June, during early summer in England. This timing is ideal since it follows the IPL and doesn’t clash with many international fixtures. This makes it easier to draw attention from fans and broadcasters alike.

The ICC also values England’s ability to draw large crowds, no matter which teams reach the final. That’s something few other countries can guarantee, especially when it comes to World Test Championship Finals, which often involve neutral teams.

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Strong Attendance a Key Advantage

In the 2023 World Test Championship Final at The Oval, Australia defeated India in front of a packed stadium. Even in 2021, the very first final, played at the Hampshire Bowl under strict bio-bubble conditions, the excitement was high despite limited crowd capacity. That match between India and New Zealand set the tone for how special the World Test Championship Finals could be.

Gould explained that England is well-suited to host these events. “We don’t think we automatically deserve it every time,” he told ESPNcricinfo, “but there are definite advantages to holding the World Test Championship Finals here. We know we’ll sell out the venues, and that’s not easy to do with neutral teams.”

He also warned that if the finals were moved to another country and featured two teams without a local fan base, it could lead to empty stadiums. That would take away the energy and atmosphere that make the World Test Championship Finals so exciting.

The crowd at Lord’s during the most recent final created an electric atmosphere. ICC chair Jay Shah was present and was impressed by how the venue lifted the occasion. It reinforced England’s image as the perfect setting for high-stakes Test matches.

Lord’s Likely But Not Confirmed as Future Host

Although England has secured the rights to host the next three World Test Championship Finals, the ICC has not confirmed whether Lord’s will be the official venue for all of them. While Lord’s has become a popular and iconic ground for such events, the ICC may explore other top English venues like The Oval or Old Trafford depending on future schedules.

Still, based on the recent success of the finals held at Lord’s and The Oval, it is likely that Lord’s will continue to play a central role in the World Test Championship Finals. Hosting the event at such a historic ground adds prestige and tradition to an already high-pressure match.

With world-class facilities, dedicated fans, and strong logistical capabilities, England remains the most trusted destination for hosting top-level international matches. The decision to return the World Test Championship Finals to England through 2031 signals the ICC’s commitment to keeping the format exciting and accessible.

For cricket fans worldwide, England will now be the home of World Test Championship Finals, offering thrilling battles between the best Test nations in the world, backed by roaring crowds and legendary venues.

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