The hosting rights for the World Test Championship (WTC) final could be taken away from Lord’s, according to British media reports.
The iconic venue’s status as host of the WTC final has reportedly come under review following concerns over the pitch used for the Test match between England and New Zealand, raising questions about whether future finals will continue to be staged at Lord’s.
The International Cricket Council (ICC) rated the pitch as “unsatisfactory,” raising concerns about Lord’s suitability as the venue for the WTC final. As a result, the final could potentially be shifted to The Oval instead.
British media reports state that no final decision has been made yet. However, the ICC has already awarded England the hosting rights for the World Test Championship finals until 2031.
Meanwhile, the hosts for the next three World Test Championship finals have been confirmed, and South African players have also improved their rankings following their World Test Championship triumph.
Despite the possibility of losing the hosting rights for the World Test Championship (WTC) final, Lord’s is still set to host two Test matches. Under its agreement with the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB), Lord’s is guaranteed the hosting of two Test matches each year.
According to British media reports, Pakistan’s only scheduled Test match against England, which is currently set to be played at Old Trafford, could be moved to Lord’s instead.
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