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England to Host 2027, 2029, and 2031 WTC Finals: ICC Confirms Decision at Annual Conference
ICC Awards England Hosting Rights for Next Three World Test Championship Finals
In a major decision announced after the conclusion of the ICC Annual Conference 2025 in Singapore, the International Cricket Council has officially awarded England the hosting rights for the 2027, 2029, and 2031 World Test Championship (WTC) Finals. This announcement reinforces England’s central role in the global Test cricket ecosystem.
In its media release, the ICC stated that England was selected “following a successful track record in hosting recent finals.” The English cricketing infrastructure, rich heritage, and proven capability in organizing marquee events were cited as key reasons behind the decision.
England Continues Dominance as WTC Final Venue
With this new development, England extends its streak as the only host nation for all completed and scheduled WTC Finals to date. The 2021 final, although initially planned at Lord’s, was relocated to Southampton’s Ageas Bowl due to COVID-19 constraints. Later, The Oval hosted the 2023 final, and Lord’s is set to stage the upcoming 2025 final.
This commitment from the ICC indicates the trust placed in the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) to deliver successful and globally-watched events in the coming years.
ICC Launches Support Initiative for Displaced Afghan Women Cricketers
In another impactful move, the ICC has launched a high-performance programme aimed at supporting displaced Afghan women cricketers. This initiative is a joint collaboration between the ICC, BCCI (India), ECB (England), and Cricket Australia, with a strong focus on empowerment and inclusion.
Programme Highlights and Future Goals
The programme will offer structured assistance, including:
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Access to high-performance training facilities
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Opportunities to play in domestic competitions
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Active participation in major ICC events like:
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ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025 in India
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ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026 in England
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This initiative aims to safeguard the cricketing future of Afghan women athletes, many of whom have been displaced due to socio-political challenges in their home country.
🏏 Related Article: Afghanistan’s Women’s Cricket: A Journey of Survival and Resilience
Timor-Leste and Zambia Granted ICC Associate Membership
The ICC’s commitment to expanding the global footprint of cricket was further reflected in the announcement of two new Associate Members:
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Timor-Leste Cricket Federation
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Zambia Cricket Union
These inclusions raise the total number of Associate Members to 110, marking a significant step in the ICC’s vision to globalize the sport and nurture talent in emerging cricketing nations.
The ICC’s Annual Conference 2025 brought several transformative decisions to the forefront— from England continuing as a reliable host of the WTC Finals, to progressive measures supporting displaced Afghan women, and welcoming new Associate Members to strengthen cricket’s global presence.
🔗 Learn More: Visit the Official ICC Website
