Latest news with #WTC)Final
&w=3840&q=100)
Business Standard
20-07-2025
- Sport
- Business Standard
ICC World Test Championship: England to host next three finals till 2031
England will remain the home of Test cricket's most prestigious finale for the foreseeable future, with the ICC awarding the next three editions of the World Test Championship (WTC) Final—2027, 2029 and 2031—to the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB). The decision was ratified during the International Cricket Council's Annual Conference in Singapore, where global cricket leaders convened to review progress and shape the sport's direction. ICC officials acknowledged England's consistent ability to host high-profile events successfully, citing the well-organised finals in 2021 and 2023 as key factors behind the decision. Several other significant developments also emerged from the conference, including expanded support for displaced Afghan women cricketers, continued scrutiny of USA Cricket, and the addition of new Associate Members to the ICC family. England's proven track record rewarded The ECB's successful hosting of previous WTC Finals at iconic venues like The Oval and Lord's was instrumental in securing the next three editions. The ICC Board noted that England's infrastructure, fan engagement and historical connection to Test cricket make it an ideal location for the championship deciders. The Board expressed confidence that continuing to host the Finals in England will enhance the stature of the WTC and sustain its growing popularity. The consistency and reliability shown in previous tournaments made the ECB a clear choice for the future cycle. Afghan women cricketers to receive expanded support A central highlight of the conference was the ICC's ongoing initiative to support displaced women cricketers of Afghan origin. The programme, guided by ICC Deputy Chair Imran Khwaja and jointly executed by the BCCI, ECB and Cricket Australia, will offer high-performance opportunities, access to domestic competitions, and pathways to participate in global events. The ICC indicated that these cricketers may be seen in action at the ICC Women's Cricket World Cup 2025 in India and the ICC Women's T20 World Cup 2026 in England, offering them a platform to showcase their talent on the world stage. USA Cricket under deadline for reforms USA Cricket remained under the ICC's scanner, with the global body reiterating its demand for governance reforms. The organisation has been given a three-month window to conduct free and fair elections and rectify internal issues. The ICC warned that it reserves the right to act further if USA Cricket fails to comply within the stipulated timeframe. This development is part of a broader push by the ICC to ensure that all member boards meet internationally accepted standards of governance and transparency. Changes in the Chief Executives' Committee Three new Associate Member representatives were elected to the ICC's Chief Executives' Committee (CEC): Gurumurthy Palani (France Cricket), Anuraag Bhatnagar (Cricket Hong Kong, China), and Gurdeep Klair (Cricket Canada). Their appointments reflect the ICC's continued effort to ensure balanced representation from emerging cricket nations. At the same time, the Board placed on record its appreciation for the outgoing CEC members—Sumod Damodar (Botswana), Rashpal Bajwa (Canada) and Umair Butt (Denmark)—for their contributions to the global game. Timor-Leste and Zambia join ICC membership The ICC welcomed two new Associate Members: the Timor-Leste Cricket Federation and the Zambia Cricket Union. With their addition, the total ICC membership has now risen to 110. The expansion signals cricket's increasing global reach and the ICC's commitment to fostering the sport in developing regions. AGM concludes with annual report and farewells The Annual General Meeting concluded with the adoption of the ICC Group's audited financial accounts for 2024, alongside the formal acceptance of the annual report. Outgoing ICC Chief Executive Geoff Allardice was given a formal vote of thanks for his service to the game.
Hans India
16-07-2025
- Business
- Hans India
Test cricket's future and T20 WC expansion set to dominate ICC AGM in Singapore
New Delhi: Discussions on the future of Test cricket and further expansion of the T20 World Cup are set to dominate the Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the International Cricket Council (ICC), which begins in Singapore on Thursday. This will also be the first AGM of the ICC under new chairman Jay Shah and CEO Sanjog Gupta. One of the most pressing topics in the AGM will be a discussion on the two-tier system for Test cricket, which has generated mixed views amongst the cricketing community. Another thing which could be ratified will be the future editions of the World Test Championship (WTC) Final to be hosted in England. Though a decision on ODI World Cup's expansion may not come, the Men's T20 World Cup, which has 20 teams in 2024 and for the 2026 edition, could expand to having 24 teams in future editions. The move to expand T20 WC teams aligns with cricket's return for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics and the sport's growing interest in emerging nations like Italy, who recently qualified for 2026 edition of the tournament to be played in India and Sri Lanka. Also, a word on financial audit for the USA leg of 2024 T20 World Cup may come from the working committee led by deputy director Imran Khawaja. The making of pop-up Nassau County International stadium, which hosted eight matches, including the big-ticket India-Pakistan clash, got criticism for its drop-in pitches and taking excessive money than its usual allocation. The USA leg of T20 World Cup costs is being cited as a big factor in former CEO Geoff Allardice's resignation earlier this year, as well as many ICC executives leaving their jobs. There's also the influential Chief Executives' Committee election, with three spots up for grabs to be won by the administrators from the Associate Nations. The AGM may also discuss the future of USA Cricket Board after its administration were put on notice at last year's ICC annual conference due to severe governance issues. Meanwhile, ICC may get new members in Zambia, who are poised to regain Associate member status after a 2019 suspension, and East Timor, who may get the governing body's membership for the first time.
Express Tribune
14-07-2025
- Sport
- Express Tribune
ICC names Aiden Markram men's player of the month
Listen to article South Africa's Aiden Markram has been named the ICC Men's Player of the Month for June 2025, following his match-winning performance in the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) Final against Australia at Lord's. Markram edged out fellow nominees, his teammate Kagiso Rabada and Sri Lanka's top-order batter Pathum Nissanka, to claim the monthly honour. The 30-year-old opener played a crucial role in helping the Proteas lift their first senior ICC trophy in 27 years. He scored a magnificent 136 in the fourth innings of the WTC Final and also contributed with the ball, taking two important wickets, including that of Steve Smith, to set up a historic win for South Africa. Reacting to the award, Markram said: 'It is a privilege to receive this award. To contribute to an ICC World Test Championship win for our team and South Africa is something that means a lot to me. Winning the final at Lord's is a historic moment for South African cricket, and it is something we will all remember forever. This victory was only possible due to the combined efforts of the entire team, with crucial contributions from KG (Kagiso Rabada) and Tembs (Temba Bavuma).' Although Markram was dismissed for a duck in the first innings, he bounced back strongly in the second. Chasing a target of 282, he guided the Proteas through a tense fourth innings, showing composure and maturity. His partnerships with Wiaan Mulder and Temba Bavuma kept the innings steady, especially after the early loss of Ryan Rickelton. When Bavuma faced an injury scare during the chase, Markram offered constant support. He eventually departed after scoring 136, anchoring the innings with control and calmness. Before shining with the bat, Markram made a vital impact with the ball, breaking a strong partnership by dismissing Steve Smith with just his sixth delivery. He later removed Josh Hazlewood in the second innings to wrap up Australia's innings. This memorable performance helped South Africa clinch their maiden ICC World Test Championship title, and Markram's all-round efforts rightly earned him the ICC Men's Player of the Month award.
India.com
29-06-2025
- Sport
- India.com
Ravi Shastri On Future Of WTC Final: Time To Move Onto 90,000+ Seater Stadiums Like MCG And Ahmedabads Narendra Modi Stadium
WTC Final: Former India head coach Ravi Shastri believes that England is the perfect host for the early years of the World Test Championship (WTC) Final but has backed massive stadiums in India and Australia as future venues as the format gains more popularity. WTC Finals Have All Been Held in England So Far Since its launch in 2019, the WTC Final has been held in England across three different venues: 2021: Rose Bowl, Southampton (India vs New Zealand) 2023: The Oval, London (India vs Australia) 2025: Lord's, London (Australia vs South Africa) The recent 2025 final saw South Africa end their 27-year ICC trophy drought under Temba Bavuma's captaincy, defeating defending champions Australia at the historic Lord's Cricket Ground. Lord's Draws Neutral Fans, But Bigger Stadiums Could Be Future Hosts Speaking on the Wisden Cricket Podcast, Shastri praised England for drawing crowds even for neutral Tests, especially at a venue like Lord's. However, he pointed out that as the WTC Final grows in importance and fan following, larger venues such as the MCG in Australia or the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad could be ideal hosts. 'It's good if it's here (Lord's) actually. Once it gets the popularity and eyebrows it deserves, then it can start shifting,' said Shastri. 'The MCG can be a great place for a WTC Final. Ahmedabad too. Basically, places where you can draw a crowd.' Shastri also noted that Lord's has limited seating (approximately 30,000) compared to the MCG (over 90,000) and Narendra Modi Stadium (over 100,000), which could offer a more electrifying atmosphere for a global final. England Likely to Continue Hosting WTC Finals Despite Shastri's suggestion, reports indicate that England could continue hosting WTC finals through the 2029 and 2031 cycles as per the ICC's Future Tours Programme. The 2027 final has already been confirmed at Lord's, and a BCCI bid to host the match in India was recently turned down. The ICC is reportedly favouring England due to its strong track record of organizing successful neutral Tests, especially in the traditional format.
The Hindu
15-06-2025
- Sport
- The Hindu
Australia squad for West Indies Test series: Sean Abbott replaces injured Doggett
Australia has been dealt with an injury blow ahead of the three-match Test series in West Indies, with fast bowler Brendan Doggett ruled out due to a hip issue. The 31-year-old uncapped player has been replaced by Sean Abbott, who is also uncapped in the longest format of the game, though he has played 48 white-ball games for Australia. Both players were part of the squad for the World Test Championship (WTC) Final against South Africa but didn't feature in the Playing XI. Australia is also sweating on the fitness of Steven Smith, who dislocated his finger during the WTC Final while attempting to take a catch. The three-match series in the Caribbean will mark the beginning of the WTC 2025-27 campaign for both sides. Australia's Test squad: Pat Cummins (c), Sean Abbott, Scott Boland, Alex Carey, Cameron Green, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Usman Khawaja, Sam Konstas, Matt Kuhnemann, Marnus Labuschagne, Nathan Lyon, Steve Smith, Mitchell Starc, Beau Webster.
