New Delhi: The World Test Championship (WTC) final has become a key fixture in international cricket. As the format slowly gains global popularity, former India coach Ravi Shastri has suggested a shift in venue to larger stadiums in the future.
The WTC final has been held in England for three straight editions. Each final was played at a different stadium. The 2021 final between India and New Zealand took place at the Rose Bowl in Southampton. In 2023, Australia beat India at the Oval to lift the trophy. The 2025 final was recently played at Lord’s, where South Africa defeated Australia to win their first ICC trophy in 27 years.
Ravi Shastri believes England is a great starting point for the WTC final. However, he also feels that bigger venues like the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad and the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) in Australia should be considered in the future.
“I think to start off initially, it’s good if it’s here (Lord’s). Once it gets the popularity and eyebrows it deserves, then it can start shifting,” Shastri said on a Wisden Cricket podcast.
He pointed out that Lord’s has a limited capacity. “It’s not a 100,000-seater stadium. So, irrespective of which team is playing, you know you will get a good crowd,” he added.
The MCG in Australia and Ahmedabad in India are among the largest cricket stadiums in the world. Both can host over 90,000 spectators and have successfully hosted major ICC events.
Despite Shastri’s support, reports suggest the ICC plans to keep the WTC final in England for now. According to the ICC’s Future Tours Program, Lord’s is set to host the 2027 final. Reports also hint that England might host the 2029 and 2031 finals as well.
The BCCI had shown interest in hosting the 2027 final in India. However, the ICC favoured England again, citing its continued success in drawing neutral crowds for Test matches.
As the WTC format evolves, pressure may grow to shift the final to newer, larger venues. For now, England remains the chosen home of the biggest Test match in cricket.
