WTC final to not be shifted out of England for the next cycle as well? Report makes massive claim

South Africa are in-charge of the ongoing World Test Championship (WTC) final against Australia at Lord's and only require 69 runs more to win their first major international trophy since 1998. The 143-run partnership between Aiden Markram and skipper Temba Bavuma is one of the main reasons why the Proteas are in such a commanding position in the summit clash.

Notably, the last two WTC finals, contested in 2021 and 2013 respectively, were also held in England. The final in 2021 was contested between New Zealand and India in Southampton and saw the former come out on top. On the other hand, the final in 2023 saw India lock horns with Australia at the Oval in London and it was the latter who emerged victorious. South Africa now have a golden chance to become the third different winner of the tournament.

England to host all the three next WTC finals as well?

According to a report by Telegraph UK, the WTC final is unlikely to be shifted out of England for the next cycle as well. In fact, the report further stated that the International Cricket Council (ICC) has told the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) of their intention to host the final of the next three WTC editions in England.

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"English cricket is close to agreeing to host the next three World Test Championship finals despite an attempt from India to stage the show-piece event. The World Test Championship (WTC) began in 2019 and has run three two-year cycles, all of which concluded with a final in England in June," the report stated.

"It is expected that the decision will be rubber-stamped at the ICC's Annual Conference in Singapore next month, but the ECB are expected to begin planning the 2027 edition of the WTC final promptly after the current one, between Australia and South Africa, ends," the report added.

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Despite being host to all the three WTC finals, England have failed to make it to the summit clash even once. The Three Lions haven't been able to maintain a great record in the longest format for years now and the result has been their absence from the WTC final.

The new WTC cycle will kick-off with the upcoming five-match Test series between India and England which is set to commence from June 20 with the first match to be played at Headingley in Leeds.