BCCI Planning To Submit Bid To Host WTC 2027 Final In India

Jatin

India to bid for hosting rights of WTC 2027 Final [Source: @CricCrazyJohns/x.com]India to bid for hosting rights of WTC 2027 Final [Source: @CricCrazyJohns/x.com]

The BCCI is all set to bid for the 2027 World Test Championship Final and if everything goes to plan, the biggest red-ball showdown could be heading to Indian soil for the first time ever. But while the ambition is loud and clear, the road to bringing the WTC final home isn’t exactly free of bumps.

India Aiming To Host WTC Final For The First Time In 2027

According to a report by The Guardian, the BCCI has expressed interest in hosting the 2027 WTC final at last month’s ICC chief executives meeting in Zimbabwe. With Arun Dhumal representing India on the committee and Jay Shah as ICC chair, the move is practically a formality.

If approved, this would break England’s monopoly after Southampton (2021), The Oval (2023), and Lord’s (2025). And with India being the game’s financial juggernaut, the ICC will find it hard to say no.


But There Is A Catch Or Two

This isn’t going to be a walk in the park for India. First, ticket sales are a big concern. The ICC is wary of a half-empty stadium if India doesn’t make it to the final, something that’s not guaranteed. Lord’s 2025 is already sold out for the first four days and The Oval was packed in 2023, even without England playing.

Then there is the political minefield. With relations between the neighbours sinking lower after India’s air strikes in Kashmir, the idea of a WTC final involving Pakistan being played in India is complicated, to say the least.

After the recent Champions Trophy standoff, there is already an understanding that any India-Pakistan match will be shifted to a neutral venue, no matter who’s hosting. That applies to the upcoming Women’s World Cup in India and the 2026 T20 World Cup co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka.

So if Pakistan does make the final, ICC will have to pull off a last-minute venue switch again.

ECB Left In The Lurch

While India flexes its muscles, England is left scrambling. Hosting the WTC final during the English summer isn’t just tradition, it’s convenient. The ECB sells tickets no matter who plays and it helps them plan the rest of their home Test summer.

Now, if the final moves to India, they will need to slot in an extra Test for England at home to keep the summer schedule ticking.

No Changes In WTC Format For Now

Amid all the venue drama, one thing is clear, the WTC format isn’t changing. Proposals to split it into two divisions have been shelved, meaning the 2025-27 cycle stays at nine teams, single division format.

The next WTC kicks off with a blockbuster: England vs India five-Test series starting June 20, just five days after the 2025 final wraps up at Lord’s.