ICC turns down India’s bid to host WTC finals: report

The International Cricket Council (ICC) is expected to keep the World Test Championship (WTC) finals in England for the 2027, 2029, and 2031 editions, according to The Telegraph UK report.

The move comes amid India’s efforts to host the marquee event. England has hosted all WTC finals since the competition’s launch in 2019, with matches held in Southampton, The Oval, and Lord’s.

The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has reportedly already been informed of the ICC's intention, and formal confirmation is expected at the ICC Annual Conference in Singapore next month.

"English cricket is close to agreeing to host the next three World Test Championship finals despite an attempt from India to stage the showpiece event,” the report said.

Meanwhile, preparations for the 2027 final is expected to begin shortly following the conclusion of the 2025 final, the report added.

South Africa win World Test Championship

Aiden Markram's magnificent century guided South Africa to a five-wicket win over Australia in the World Test Championship final at Lord's on Saturday as the Proteas finally ended their decades-long wait for a major global cricket trophy.

The title victory marked their first since 1998 when they won the inaugural edition of the men’s Champions Trophy, called the Knockout Trophy at that time.

In 18 previous attempts in the one-day international and T20 World Cups, South Africa had only reached one solitary final.

That was in last year's T20 World Cup in Barbados, when they lost to India despite needing just 30 runs from their last 30 balls, with six wickets standing.