Discussing the Future of WTC Finals: Pushing Toward Expansive Stadiums Like the MCG and Ahmedabad's Narendra Modi Stadium - As Per Ravi Shastri
World Test Championship Finals: A British Tradition
Renowned former India head coach Ravi Shastri throws his hat into the ring, considering England an ideal starting point for the World Test Championship (WTC) Finals. However, he champions mega-stadiums in India and Australia like the Narendra Modi Stadium and the Melbourne Cricket Ground as potential future venues as the format gradually captures the world's attention.
A British Dominion Over WTC Finals
Since the WTC's inception in 2019, the finals have been graced by England across three iconic venues:
- 2021: Rose Bowl, Southampton (India vs New Zealand)
- 2023: The Oval, London (India vs Australia)
- 2025: Lord's, London (South Africa vs Australia)
The most recent 2025 final saw South Africa break their 27-year ICC trophy drought under captain Temba Bavuma, vanquishing defending champions Australia at the illustrious Lord's Cricket Ground.
Lord's Holds Its Ground, But Could Bigger Arenas Be In the Offing?
Speaking on the Wisden Cricket Podcast, Shastri showered praise on England for managing to draw crowds for neutral Tests, particularly at the esteemed Lord's. Nevertheless, he posited that as the WTC Final increases in prominence, larger venues could provide a more electric atmosphere for this global spectacle.
"It's great if it's here (Lord's), but once it gains the admiration and attention it deserves, it can relocate," stated Shastri. "The MCG could be an excellent spot for a WTC Final. Ahmedabad, too. Essentially, places that can pull crowds."
Notably, Lord's seats approximately 30,000 spectators, compared to the MCG's over 90,000 and Ahmedabad's Narendra Modi Stadium, boasting an impressive 100,000 seats.
England Likely to Retain WTC Finals for Years to Come
Despite Shastri's proposal, it appears England is set to continue its reign as host of the WTC finals beyond 2023, extending this arrangement even through 2031. Reports hint at the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) retaining these rights for the next three editions post 2023 — specifically in 2027, 2029, and 2031 — with the International Cricket Council (ICC) poised to officially endorse this decision at their annual conference[1][2].
India had expressed interest in hosting the final and pushing for a rotation policy to enable other Test-playing nations to host[2][3], but the ICC has reportedly rejected these proposals, citing factors such as logistical convenience, commercial viability, England's established cricket infrastructure, and suitable weather conditions as reasons for staying put[1].
Sports enthusiasts might wonder if larger arenas could eventually become the hosts of the World Test Championship (WTC) Finals, as Ravi Shastri posited that venues like the Melbourne Cricket Ground and the Narendra Modi Stadium could provide a more electric atmosphere for this global spectacle. Despite his suggestion, it seems that England is likely to retain its position as the host of the WTC finals for several years to come, with the International Cricket Council (ICC) reportedly planning to approve this decision at their annual conference, which could extend England's hosting rights through 2031.
