India is preparing to bid to host the final of the World Test Championship (WTC) in 2027, with a formal proposal expected to be submitted to the International Cricket Council (ICC) this summer. This move has significant implications for the global cricket calendar, particularly concerning England’s summer schedule. The bid is likely to create logistical challenges for the ICC, further complicated by the ongoing tensions between India and Pakistan, which have escalated following recent air strikes in Kashmir.
The WTC final has been hosted in England for the first two editions, with the matches held at Hampshire’s Rose Bowl in 2021 and the Oval in 2023. The 2025 final is set to take place at Lord’s. India’s interest in hosting the 2027 final was expressed during a meeting of the ICC’s chief executives committee in Zimbabwe last month. Given the influence of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), with both the ICC’s chief executive and the chair of the ICC hailing from India, a formal bid is seen as a likely outcome.
England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) had not assumed the WTC final would remain in England permanently, but the strong domestic ticket market and the scheduling of the English summer made the country a natural venue. The ECB is reportedly eager for a quick decision on the matter, as they would need to adjust their plans for England’s home Test series if the WTC final is moved elsewhere in 2027.
One of the ICC’s primary concerns with moving the WTC final to India is the risk of poor ticket sales in the event that India does not qualify for the final. For instance, the 2023 WTC final at the Oval sold out, despite England not being involved, and the upcoming final at Lord’s has already sold out for its first four days. These high sales figures, even without the host nation’s participation, make England an attractive venue.
The bid is further complicated by the ongoing political tensions between India and Pakistan, especially after recent air strikes. The two countries have not played a bilateral series since 2013 due to strained political relations, although they do meet in ICC events at neutral venues. India’s refusal to travel to Pakistan for the 2023 Champions Trophy led to the tournament being played in Dubai. India is scheduled to host the Women’s World Cup in the autumn, with Pakistan among the teams set to participate, but it remains uncertain where the matches will be held.
Following the Champions Trophy standoff earlier this year, the ICC agreed that all matches involving India at an event hosted in Pakistan until 2027 would be played at neutral venues, and vice versa for matches involving Pakistan in events hosted in India. This agreement also extends to the 2026 men’s T20 World Cup, which India and Sri Lanka will co-host. While a similar agreement could be reached in the event of Pakistan qualifying for the 2027 WTC final, the situation remains fraught with complexity.
Gautam Gambhir, India’s head coach, recently suggested that all cricketing interactions between India and Pakistan should be suspended until the political tensions between the two countries subside. Gambhir stated that the lives of Indian soldiers and citizens should take precedence over cricket, further complicating any potential arrangements for the 2027 WTC final.
The ICC has not confirmed any outcomes from last month’s discussions in Zimbabwe. However, proposals to restructure Test cricket into two divisions have been postponed, meaning that the 2025-2027 WTC will continue with the current format of a single division with nine teams. The next WTC cycle will begin with England’s five-Test home series against India, starting on June 20, just five days after the conclusion of this year’s WTC final.
