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The World Test Championship (WTC) 2023-25 cycle must be over with South Africa claiming their first ICC trophy in 27 years after beating Australia by five wickets at the Lord’s in London. However, the victory for the Protea Men was a memorable one, they will hope to continue their winning run in the seasons to come. However, the next WTC cycle of 2025-27 commenced earlier this month with England hosting India in a five-match Test series, former India cricketer Ravi Shastri dropped a few suggestions on the venue of the marquee tournament.
Reckoned as one of the biggest fixtures in the longest format, the former cricketer turned commentator feels that it’s still in its early days. Seeing this, Shastri spoke of Lord’s being the fittest venue to host the summit clash at the moment. It is to be noted the inaugural WTC Final in 2021 was played at The Ageas Bowl in Southampton. The second edition moved to The Oval and the tournament finally returned to Lord’s for the last edition.
MCG and Ahmedabad can be great place for a WTC Final: Ravi Shastri
However, reports quoting The Telegraph have claimed that ECB officials have informed ICC of their intentions to host the next three editions of the WTC Final, before it could be moved to any other venue. Seeing this, Shastri also suggested two venues which could host the event, one being Ahmedabad’s Narendra Modi Stadium.
Speaking to Wisden, the 63-year-old stated, “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. 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.”
Speaking of the recently concluded WTC 2023-25 cycle, South Africa were crowned the champions, claiming their first ICC trophy in 27 years. In pursuit of the 282-run target, Aiden Markram was the star of the show with the bat for South Africa, scoring a fantastic hundred, to play a key role in taking South Africa over the finishing line in the opening session of the fourth day.
