'Lords is great but…': Ravi Shastri makes bold pitch for WTC final in India
Former player and now commentator Ravi Shastri (Photo by)
Former India head coach
Ravi Shastri
has endorsed England as the ideal venue for the World Test Championship finals while suggesting that the prestigious event could potentially move to larger stadiums in India and Australia in the future once it gains more global popularity.
The statement comes as England continues to host WTC finals, with three successive championships being played across different stadiums in the country over the past six years.
The inaugural World Test Championship final was hosted at the Rose Bowl in Southampton, featuring India and New Zealand. The subsequent final saw Australia emerge victorious against India at the Oval, claiming the WTC championship title from the Kiwis.
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The most recent WTC final took place at Lord's Cricket Ground in London, where South Africa secured victory against Australia. This triumph marked the end of South Africa's 27-year drought for an ICC trophy under Temba Bavuma's leadership.
"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.
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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 expressed during a Wisden Cricket podcast.
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The discussion about venue selection has gained prominence as England is expected to continue hosting the WTC finals for the next two cycles. According to the International Cricket Council's Future Tours Program, the 2027 WTC Final is scheduled to be held at Lord's, with subsequent finals planned for 2029 and 2031.
The Board of Control for Cricket in India's recent bid to host the 2027 WTC final was unsuccessful. The decision favored England due to its consistent support for neutral Test matches.
London venues have demonstrated their ability to attract neutral cricket enthusiasts who appreciate the longest format of the game. However, Shastri's suggestion points to the potential of hosting future championships at larger venues like the Narendra Modi Stadium in India and the Melbourne Cricket Ground in Australia.
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These proposed alternative venues offer significantly larger seating capacities compared to traditional English cricket grounds. This capacity difference could potentially accommodate more spectators once the World Test Championship establishes a stronger following among global cricket audiences.
The progression of WTC final venues reflects the evolving nature of Test cricket's premier championship event.
While maintaining its current base in England, the tournament shows potential for geographical expansion as it continues to develop its global appeal and fan following.
The ongoing discussion about venue selection highlights the balance between tradition and growth in Test cricket's flagship event. England's role as the current host nation has established a foundation for the championship, while future possibilities remain open for expansion to other major cricket venues worldwide.
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