ECB Triumphs Over BCCI, Securing WTC Final in England for the Foreseeable Future

In a significant development for cricket enthusiasts, the International Cricket Council (ICC) has confirmed that England will host the finals of the next three editions of the World Test Championship (WTC) in 2027, 2029, and 2031. This decision was announced during the ICC’s Annual Conference held in Singapore. The BCCI, which had hoped to bring the prestigious event to India, faces a setback as the ICC has opted to continue England’s long-standing association with hosting the WTC finals, a tradition that began with the inaugural championship in 2019.

The ICC’s announcement comes after a successful track record of England hosting the finals, including the recent clash between Australia and South Africa at Lord’s in 2025. The decision underscores England’s position as a premier destination for cricketing events, with all finals since the WTC’s inception being held on its grounds.

### England’s Dominance as Host

Since the first World Test Championship final in 2021, England has established itself as the exclusive host for this prestigious event. The inaugural final took place at Southampton, where India faced New Zealand. The second final in 2023 was held at The Oval, featuring a showdown between India and Australia. Most recently, Lord’s hosted the 2025 final, further cementing England’s reputation as the ‘Home of Cricket.’ The ICC’s reaffirmation of England’s hosting rights for the upcoming finals demonstrates the country’s successful management and organization of previous championship matches.

The BCCI’s aspirations to host the WTC finals have now been dashed for the next six years. Despite the board’s interest in bringing the event to India, the ICC’s decision has made it clear that England will continue to dominate the hosting landscape for the foreseeable future. The BCCI will need to reassess its strategy for hosting major international cricket events, given the ICC’s commitment to England.

### Support for Afghanistan’s Women’s Team

In another notable update from the ICC, it was announced that Afghanistan’s displaced womenโ€™s cricket team will participate in the next two womenโ€™s World Cupsโ€”the 2025 ODI World Cup in India and the 2026 T20 World Cup in England. The team has faced significant challenges, with many members currently residing in Australia. The ICC’s decision to involve Afghanistan’s women cricketers marks a positive step towards supporting their reintegration into international cricket.

While the specific details of how Afghanistan’s womenโ€™s team will participate are still unclear, the initiative has garnered support from the BCCI, England & Wales Cricket Board, and Cricket Australia. This collaboration among major cricketing boards aims to provide a platform for Afghanistan’s women cricketers to showcase their talent on the international stage. The involvement of prominent cricketing nations in this effort underscores the importance of inclusivity in the sport and the commitment to providing opportunities to underrepresented teams.

### USA Cricket Under Scrutiny

The ICC has issued a three-month notice to USA Cricket, emphasizing the need for significant governance reforms. Failure to comply may lead to repercussions from the ICC. The governing body reiterated its stance, stating that USA Cricket must conduct free and fair elections within this timeframe. The move aims to ensure that USA Cricket adheres to international standards of governance and operational transparency.

In addition to addressing USA Cricket’s governance issues, the ICC has welcomed the Timor Leste Cricket Federation and the Zambia Cricket Union as new Associate Members. This expansion reflects the ICC’s ongoing efforts to promote cricket globally and strengthen its member associations. Furthermore, the ICC has elected three new officials from Associate nations to its Chief Executives Committee, showcasing a commitment to diverse representation within cricket’s governing bodies.

These developments highlight the ICC’s focus on both promoting cricket in emerging markets and maintaining standards among its existing members, ensuring the sport’s growth and integrity on a global scale.


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