Shastri Calls for India to Host World Test Championship Final After England's Reign

Former Indian head coach Ravi Shastri has voiced his support for England as the current host of the World Test Championship (WTC) finals, but envisions a future where the prestigious event could be held in larger stadiums across India and Australia. Shastri believes this shift should occur once the tournament gains more widespread global recognition.

His comments come as England has consistently hosted the WTC finals, with three consecutive championships taking place at various English grounds over the last six years.

• The inaugural World Test Championship final was held at the Rose Bowl in Southampton, featuring India and New Zealand.
• The subsequent final saw Australia defeat India at the Oval.
• The most recent WTC final occurred at Lord's Cricket Ground in London, where South Africa triumphed over Australia.

"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. 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 said on a Wisden Cricket podcast.

The discussion around potential venues has intensified, with England expected to continue hosting the WTC finals for the next two cycles. The International Cricket Council's Future Tours Program indicates that the 2027 WTC Final is slated for Lord's, with future editions 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. England was favored due to its consistent support for neutral Test matches.

London venues have proven their ability to attract neutral cricket fans who appreciate Test cricket. However, Shastri's suggestion 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 larger seating capacities compared to traditional English grounds. This could accommodate more spectators as the World Test Championship gains a larger global audience.

The evolution of WTC final venues reflects the growing popularity of Test cricket's premier championship event. While maintaining its base in England, the tournament has the potential for geographical expansion as it grows its global appeal and fan base.

The ongoing venue discussion highlights the balance between tradition and growth in Test cricket's flagship event. England's role as the current host has established a strong foundation, while future possibilities remain open for expansion to other major cricket venues worldwide.