NEW DELHI, JUN 15 (DNA) — The International Cricket Council (ICC) is reportedly set to retain England as the host nation for the next three World Test Championship (WTC) finals in 2027, 2029, and 2031. According to a report by The Telegraph UK, the decision comes despite interest from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to bring the event to India. Since its inception in 2019, the WTC has concluded after two-year cycle with a final in England, including Southampton in 2021, The Oval in 2023, and the 2025 final at Lord’s.
The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has reportedly already been informed of the ICC’s intention, and formal confirmation is expected at the ICC Annual Conference in Singapore next month. “English cricket is close to agreeing to host the next three World Test Championship finals despite an attempt from India to stage the showpiece event,” the report said. Preparations for the 2027 final is expected to begin shortly following the conclusion of the 2025 final, the report added.
Aiden Markram’s magnificent century guided South Africa to a five-wicket win over Australia in the World Test Championship final at Lord’s on Saturday as the Proteas finally ended their decades-long wait for a major global cricket trophy.The title victory marked their first since 1998 when they won the inaugural edition of the men’s Champions Trophy, called the Knockout Trophy at that time.
In 18 previous attempts in the one-day international and T20 World Cups, South Africa had only reached one solitary final. That was in last year’s T20 World Cup in Barbados, when they lost to India despite needing just 30 runs from their last 30 balls, with six wickets standing. —DNA