England to host next three World Test Championship finals, ICC confirms

The decision was ratified at the ICC's annual conference held in Singapore this week, and follows the successful staging of the first three editions of the WTC final in England - in 2021, 2023, and 2025.

Despite earlier reports suggesting a possible shift to India starting in 2027, the ICC cited England's "successful track record in hosting recent finals" as a key factor in the decision. The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has consistently delivered high attendance and operational excellence, including for neutral fixtures.

"We are absolutely delighted that England and Wales has been chosen to host the next three ICC World Test Championship Finals," said ECB Chief Executive Richard Gould. "It's a testament to the passion fans have for this format, and to the willingness of supporters from around the world to travel here."

The WTC final is typically scheduled in June, a period with minimal international fixtures and immediately following the Indian Premier League (IPL). The early summer window in England remains the ICC's preferred slot for the event.

The most recent final, held at Lord's in June 2025, saw South Africa defeat Australia by five wickets in front of a capacity crowd. England's ability to sell out venues - even for matches involving neutral teams - has been a decisive factor in its continued selection as host.

The 2023 edition, hosted at The Oval, also saw a strong turnout as Australia beat India. The inaugural WTC final in 2021 was staged under COVID-19 restrictions at the Rose Bowl in Southampton, with New Zealand defeating India.

While England will remain the host country for the next three finals, the ICC has not yet confirmed whether Lord's will continue as the preferred venue.

Speaking ahead of the decision, Gould acknowledged that while there is no "absolute right" for England to host the WTC final indefinitely, the ability to ensure full stadiums remains a strategic advantage.

"Irrespective of who gets into the final, we will sell it out," he said. "We're probably the only member nation within the ICC that could deliver that. If you move it and end up with two neutral teams and an empty stadium, the event risks being devalued."

The ICC has not indicated whether future editions beyond 2031 will rotate to other member countries.

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