Latest news with #WTCFinals
News18
22-07-2025
- Sport
- News18
Does England Deserve To Hold Successive WTC Finals? 'It's The Only Country That...'
Last Updated: Kevin Pietersen has suggested that England hosting next three World Test Championship finals is good for full attendance. Former cricketer Kevin Pietersen has said that England is the rightful place to house the next three cycles of the World Test Championship finals. England has already hosted three WTC Finals and although India made an earnest bid to bag the hosting rights, ICC turned a blind eye to their requests. The International Cricket Council decided the same at its annual conference, which ended on Sunday, July 20. The three World Test Championship finals scheduled in 2027, 2029 and 2031 after completion of two-year cycles will, in all likelihood, be held in June, which is the time for the cricket season in England. 'England is the rightful place to house the next 3 cycles of the World Test Championship Finals. It's the only country that can guarantee full houses for the first 4 days," Pietersen tweeted on Tuesday afternoon. England is the rightful place to house the next 3 cycles of the World Test Championship Finals. It's the only country that can guarantee full houses for the first 4 days.— Kevin Pietersen🦏 (@KP24) July 22, 2025 Since the scheduling of the World Test Championship cycle is such that only one possible nation where there might be the least weather intervention in June is England. Australia's cricket season runs from October to March. In case of India, Tests are not the most popular format, and if India don't play the final, then there would be bare minimum footfalls even if top cricketing countries play the summit clash. Notably, limited tickets remain for Days 2 and 3 of the upcoming fourth Test between India and England in Manchester. For the final Test at the Kia Oval, only the fifth day tickets remain. The World Test Championship final between Australia and South Africa was watched by over one lakh people at Lord's. The capacity of the stadium is over 31000, but on average, 27000 people watch every day's play of the match, which ended in four days. view comments Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
India.com
21-07-2025
- Sport
- India.com
World Test Championship To Stay In England: ICC Awards Hosting Rights For 2027, 2029, 2031
In a significant development that will shape the future of Test cricket, the International Cricket Council (ICC) has confirmed that England will continue to host the next three World Test Championship (WTC) Finals — in 2027, 2029, and 2031. This decision was announced following the ICC Annual Conference held in Singapore and solidifies England's position as the spiritual and strategic home of the marquee Test event. Despite mounting interest from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to bring the final to Indian soil, the ICC has chosen to stay with the tried-and-tested formula, citing England's 'proven track record' and 'logistical advantages.' Why England? A Proven Track Record and Global Appeal The ECB's consistent success in organizing the WTC Finals in 2021 (Southampton), 2023 (The Oval), and 2025 (Lord's) heavily influenced the ICC's decision. Each of these finals drew strong international viewership and filled stadiums — even in England's absence as a finalist. The recent 2025 final at Lord's saw South Africa break their ICC title drought in front of a packed crowd, adding a compelling narrative to the historic venue. With New Zealand and Australia defeating India in the first two finals, and South Africa besting Australia in the latest, the event has already begun crafting a legacy that appeals to fans worldwide. Richard Gould, ECB CEO, said, 'We are absolutely delighted to have been entrusted with hosting the next three WTC Finals. The passion of English fans for Test cricket and the global audience's enthusiasm have made these finals a celebration of the game's purest format.' India Misses Out: Political and Logistical Concerns While India has the infrastructure and the appetite for big-ticket matches, the ICC appears to have weighed concerns over neutral venue advantages, political tensions, and uncertain crowd dynamics in case of India's absence from the final. Sources indicate that discussions during the ICC Chief Executives' meeting in Zimbabwe earlier this year saw BCCI lobby for India to host a future WTC final. However, ongoing subcontinental tensions — particularly involving India and Pakistan — and fears of half-empty stadiums if India fails to qualify likely tipped the scales against the move. Notably, Australian skipper Pat Cummins had earlier suggested that the defending champion should host the final — a proposal that, for now, remains unadopted. ICC's Broader Vision: Inclusion, Reform, and Global Expansion The Annual Conference wasn't just about venues. The ICC reaffirmed its commitment to supporting displaced Afghan women cricketers, in collaboration with the BCCI, ECB, and Cricket Australia. This initiative will see structured high-performance training and opportunities in major women's tournaments like the 2025 ODI World Cup in India and the 2026 T20 World Cup in England. Additionally, the ICC has issued a three-month ultimatum to USA Cricket to implement governance reforms or face consequences. Meanwhile, France, Hong Kong, and Canada now have representatives on the ICC Chief Executives Committee, reflecting the governing body's push for wider inclusion. In another milestone, the ICC welcomed Timor Leste and Zambia as new Associate Members, bringing the total membership to 110 — a testament to cricket's growing global footprint.
Indian Express
20-07-2025
- Sport
- Indian Express
Next three editions of World Test Championship Final will be held in England, confirm ICC
Despite India's reported interest, the title clashes for the next three editions of the World Test Championship (WTC) will continue to be played in England, the International Cricket Committee (ICC) confirmed on Sunday. It was one of the outcomes of the Annual General Meeting of the ICC that was held in Singapore. A statement released by ICC said that the Board 'confirmed the awarding of hosting rights for the ICC World Test Championship Finals for the 2027, 2029, and 2031 editions to the England and Wales Cricket Board, following a successful track record in hosting recent finals.' So far, all three editions of the WTC Finals have been held in England. The first two finals were held at The Rose Bowl in Southampton (New Zealand beat India) and The Oval in London (Australia beat India) respectively. According to a PTI report in May, the BCCI was contemplating hosting the WTC final of the 2025-2027 cycle in India and that discussions regarding the same were held during the ICC's chief executives committee in Zimbabwe earlier this year. The South Africa vs Australia clash this year – the third WTC final and the first not featuring India – was held in front of packed stands at the Lord's Cricket Ground as the Proteas men ended their major ICC trophy drought. 'Lord's is a place synonymous with Test cricket and this was a match fitting of both the occasion and the venue,' ICC Chair Jay Shah had said in a statement shortly after South Africa's triumph. 'This was the third instalment of the ICC World Test Championship Final, the first at Lord's, and those involved in preparing the playing surfaces, delivering the match and hosting the teams and supporters should be very proud of the show they helped put on.' The ICC also said that the Board received an update on progress relating to the support for displaced women cricketers of Afghan descent. 'This initiative is being advanced through a collaborative effort led by the ICC, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB), and Cricket Australia (CA), under the supervision of ICC Deputy Chair Mr Imran Khwaja. The programme aims to deliver structured support through high-performance initiatives, domestic playing opportunities, and engagement at key ICC global events, including the ICC Women's Cricket World Cup 2025 in India and the ICC Women's T20 World Cup 2026 in England,' the statement added. Two new members joined the ICC family to take the total membership to 110 members with Timor-Leste Cricket Federation and Zambia Cricket Union formally becoming ICC Associate members.
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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.
The Advertiser
13-07-2025
- Sport
- The Advertiser
Hauser boosts triathlon dominance with Hamburg win
Matt Hauser has successfully defended his Hamburg title in the World Triathlon Championships Series, extending his lead in the WTCS rankings and securing his fourth podium in four races this year. The 27-year-old Australian produced a trademark surge in the closing run leg to win Saturday's race by seven seconds. Hauser started strongly in the swim leg and was just behind the Alghero WTCS winner Miguel Hidalgo heading into the six-lap bike ride. Despite a couple of competitors crashing in the wet conditions, Hauser was able to transition into the final 5km run in the front pack. With 800m to go in the race, Hauser broke away from Portuguese rival Vasco Vilaça to take the tape and the gold medal to further cement his number one position. "I had an amazing time out there, executed the race exactly how I wanted," said Hauser. "In contrast to last year's win, I was first out of transition and it felt really great. With only Vasco sticking around for the last lap, I knew I had to play it smart and attack him before the finish. "A dream to go back-to-back on this iconic course." Up next in the series is Saint Raphael-Frejus on the French Riviera on August 31 as Hauser also eyes a glorious finale at the WTC Finals in Wollongong in October. Australian WTCS Hamburg resultsMen's race 1 Matt Hauser20 Luke Willian35 Brandon Copeland41 Brayden Mercer42 Callum McCluskyWomen's race 27 Sophie Linn45 Emma Jeffcoat47 Kira Hedgeland52 Charlotte Derbyshire Matt Hauser has successfully defended his Hamburg title in the World Triathlon Championships Series, extending his lead in the WTCS rankings and securing his fourth podium in four races this year. The 27-year-old Australian produced a trademark surge in the closing run leg to win Saturday's race by seven seconds. Hauser started strongly in the swim leg and was just behind the Alghero WTCS winner Miguel Hidalgo heading into the six-lap bike ride. Despite a couple of competitors crashing in the wet conditions, Hauser was able to transition into the final 5km run in the front pack. With 800m to go in the race, Hauser broke away from Portuguese rival Vasco Vilaça to take the tape and the gold medal to further cement his number one position. "I had an amazing time out there, executed the race exactly how I wanted," said Hauser. "In contrast to last year's win, I was first out of transition and it felt really great. With only Vasco sticking around for the last lap, I knew I had to play it smart and attack him before the finish. "A dream to go back-to-back on this iconic course." Up next in the series is Saint Raphael-Frejus on the French Riviera on August 31 as Hauser also eyes a glorious finale at the WTC Finals in Wollongong in October. Australian WTCS Hamburg resultsMen's race 1 Matt Hauser20 Luke Willian35 Brandon Copeland41 Brayden Mercer42 Callum McCluskyWomen's race 27 Sophie Linn45 Emma Jeffcoat47 Kira Hedgeland52 Charlotte Derbyshire Matt Hauser has successfully defended his Hamburg title in the World Triathlon Championships Series, extending his lead in the WTCS rankings and securing his fourth podium in four races this year. The 27-year-old Australian produced a trademark surge in the closing run leg to win Saturday's race by seven seconds. Hauser started strongly in the swim leg and was just behind the Alghero WTCS winner Miguel Hidalgo heading into the six-lap bike ride. Despite a couple of competitors crashing in the wet conditions, Hauser was able to transition into the final 5km run in the front pack. With 800m to go in the race, Hauser broke away from Portuguese rival Vasco Vilaça to take the tape and the gold medal to further cement his number one position. "I had an amazing time out there, executed the race exactly how I wanted," said Hauser. "In contrast to last year's win, I was first out of transition and it felt really great. With only Vasco sticking around for the last lap, I knew I had to play it smart and attack him before the finish. "A dream to go back-to-back on this iconic course." Up next in the series is Saint Raphael-Frejus on the French Riviera on August 31 as Hauser also eyes a glorious finale at the WTC Finals in Wollongong in October. Australian WTCS Hamburg resultsMen's race 1 Matt Hauser20 Luke Willian35 Brandon Copeland41 Brayden Mercer42 Callum McCluskyWomen's race 27 Sophie Linn45 Emma Jeffcoat47 Kira Hedgeland52 Charlotte Derbyshire
