ICC destroys India’s hopes! BCCI left powerless as England gets next 3 WTC Finals
The ICC concluded its Annual General Meeting in Singapore this weekend and, as anticipated, made several significant decisions during the meeting. Among several choices made, one was that England was chosen as the hosts for the finals of the three upcoming WTCs till 2031.
Alongside several other decisions, some monumental decisions were made on the inclusion of new members to the ICC Associate members. At the same time, they have also decided to extend their support towards Afghanistan women cricketers, with help from the BCCI, ECB, and Cricket Australia.
India misses out; England acquires hosting rights
The BCCI (Board of Control for Cricket in India) repeatedly pleaded to acquire the hosting rights for the ICC World Test Championship Finals. They asked for a rotation system or to host finals in countries other than England.
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The ICC has handed all three upcoming WTC Finals in 2027, 2029, and 2031 to England, while on all three previous occasions when the WTC Finals were held in 2021, 2023, and 2025, England was the host.
The first World Test Championship Final was held in 2021, which was originally scheduled for Lord's but ended up being played at Southampton behind closed doors due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
This was followed by the WTC Finals of 2023, played at The Oval, and finally the 2025 final, which was held at Lord's. Consistent turnouts from the ECB resulted in the ICC believing that it would be the safest bet.
The ECB Chief Executive welcomed the decision and praised the English cricket fans for making it happen.
“Being awarded the next three finals was a testament to the passion that fans in this country have for this treasured format of the game and the willingness of supporters from around the world to travel here for these games,” said Richard Gould.
Gould added, “Hosting these finals is a privilege, and we look forward to working with the ICC to build on the success of the previous editions.”
ICC adds Two New Nations as Associate Members
Alongside making the big decision, they have also decided to name two more teams as Associate Members under the ICC. ICC revealed that Timor-Leste and Zambia have joined as associate members.
This has added to ICC's total membership, and it now stands at 110, which reflects cricket's slow yet steady growth. USA Cricket, which has faced severe administrative problems, is also under scrutiny, and despite no action being taken, they have emphasized that reforms should be made.
Afghanistan's Women Cricketers to receive ICC's backing
The Afghanistan women's cricket players, who are now living outside after the current rule in Afghanistan hindered them from playing cricket, have received some backing from the ICC.
In April, the ICC formed a special group to help these women players, who left the country and are staying at other places. The ICC has been backed by BCCI, ECB, and Cricket Australia, as they want to give an opportunity to those who have almost lost everything.
“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,” said the global body for cricket administration, the ICC.
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England National Cricket Team ICC ICC World Test Championship England and Wales Cricket Board India National Cricket Team
