Shastri Calls for India to Host Future World Test Championship Finals

Former Indian head coach Ravi Shastri has voiced his support for England as the current ideal location for the World Test Championship (WTC) finals. However, he envisions a future where the prestigious event could be hosted in larger stadiums in India and Australia, contingent on its growing global appeal.

Ravi Shastri discusses the future potential of hosting the World Test Championship in India and Australia.

England has been the consistent host of the WTC finals, with three consecutive championships held at different venues across the country over the last six years. The inaugural final took place at the Rose Bowl in Southampton, where New Zealand faced India. The subsequent final saw Australia defeat India at the Oval to seize the WTC title. The most recent final was held at Lord's Cricket Ground in London, where South Africa triumphed over Australia, ending their 27-year wait for an ICC trophy under Temba Bavuma.

Shastri emphasized the suitability of Lord's as an initial venue, stating, "I think to start off initially, it's good if it's here (Lord's) actually. Once it gets the popularity and eyebrows it deserves, then it can start shifting."

He further suggested potential future venues: "But I think the MCG can be a great place for a World Test Championship Final. Ahmedabad can be a great place for the WTC Final. Basically, the places where you can draw a crowd. Because Lord's is not a 100,000-seater stadium. So, irrespective of which team is playing, you know you will get a good crowd," Shastri remarked during a Wisden Cricket podcast.

With England slated to host the WTC finals for the next two cycles, as per the International Cricket Council's Future Tours Program, the discussion around venue selection remains pertinent. The 2027 WTC Final is scheduled for Lord's, with subsequent finals planned for 2029 and 2031.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India's (BCCI) recent bid to host the 2027 WTC final was unsuccessful, with England being favored due to its consistent support for neutral Test matches. London venues have proven their ability to attract neutral cricket fans who appreciate the traditional format.

Shastri's proposal highlights the potential of larger venues such as the Narendra Modi Stadium in India and the Melbourne Cricket Ground in Australia to host future championships. These alternative venues offer significantly greater seating capacity, potentially accommodating a larger audience as the World Test Championship gains more traction globally.

The evolution of WTC final venues mirrors the ongoing development of Test cricket's premier championship event. While England provides a solid foundation, the tournament holds promise for geographical expansion as its global appeal and fan base grow. The ongoing dialogue about venue selection underscores the balance between tradition and growth in Test cricket's flagship event. England's current role as host establishes a strong base, while the future remains open to expansion into other major cricket centers worldwide.