England Retains Hosting Rights for World Test Championship Finals Till 2031

ICC Confirms England as WTC Final Venue for Next Three Editions

The International Cricket Council (ICC) has announced that England and Wales will continue to host the World Test Championship (WTC) final for the next three editions, extending their tenure until 2031. The prestigious event, which determines the world champion in Test cricket, has been held in England since its inception in 2021. Southampton hosted the inaugural final, while the subsequent two editions took place in London.

Richard Gould, Chief Executive of the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB), expressed his delight at the decision, stating that it reflects the country’s deep-rooted passion for Test cricket. He also highlighted the willingness of international fans to travel to England for the marquee event. The ICC’s decision reinforces England’s status as a premier destination for high-profile cricket matches.

Record Attendance and Global Viewership for 2025 WTC Final

The most recent WTC final, held at Lord’s in 2025, saw South Africa dethrone Australia in a historic victory. The match attracted 109,227 spectators over four days and garnered an impressive 225 million digital views worldwide, as reported by the ICC last month. These numbers underscore the growing popularity of the WTC final as a global cricketing spectacle.

Gould emphasized the privilege of hosting the finals and reiterated the ECB’s commitment to collaborating with the ICC to enhance future editions. The success of previous tournaments has set a high benchmark, and the board aims to build on this momentum to deliver even more memorable experiences for players and fans alike.

England’s Legacy as a Premier Test Cricket Destination

Englaand’s rich cricketing heritage and world-class venues make it an ideal host for the WTC final. The country’s infrastructure, combined with its ability to attract large crowds and global viewership, has solidified its position as a preferred location for the championship decider. The ICC’s decision to retain England as the host for the next three editions reflects confidence in the ECB’s organizational capabilities and the nation’s enduring love for Test cricket.

With the next three WTC finals secured, England is set to remain at the heart of Test cricket’s most prestigious event. The ECB’s focus will now shift to ensuring that future tournaments uphold the high standards set by previous editions, further cementing the WTC final’s status as a pinnacle of the sport.