Shastri Champions India as Future WTC Final Host After Lord's Success OR Ravi Shastri Backs India to Stage World Test Championship Final Amid Venue Debate OR Beyond Lord's: Ravi Shastri Urges India to Host World Test Championship Final

Shastri Advocates for India to Host Future World Test Championship Finals

Former India head coach Ravi Shastri has voiced his support for England as a suitable host for the World Test Championship (WTC) finals, while also suggesting a potential shift to larger stadiums in India and Australia in the future, as the event gains global traction.

England has consistently hosted the WTC finals, with three successive championships held at different venues across the country over the past six years. The inaugural final took place at the Rose Bowl in Southampton, where India faced New Zealand. Subsequently, Australia triumphed over India at the Oval to claim the WTC title. The most recent final occurred at Lord's Cricket Ground in London, where South Africa defeated Australia, ending their 27-year wait for an ICC trophy under Temba Bavuma's captaincy.

"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," Shastri stated on a Wisden Cricket podcast.

The discussion surrounding venue selection has intensified, with England expected to host the WTC finals for the next two cycles. The International Cricket Council's Future Tours Program indicates that the 2027 WTC Final is scheduled for Lord's, with subsequent finals planned for 2029 and 2031.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India's (BCCI) recent bid to host the 2027 WTC final was unsuccessful. The decision favored England due to its consistent support for neutral Test matches. London venues have proven their ability to attract neutral cricket fans who appreciate the traditional format of the game.

Shastri's suggestion highlights the potential of hosting future championships at larger venues such as the Narendra Modi Stadium in India and the Melbourne Cricket Ground in Australia. These alternative venues offer significantly larger seating capacities than traditional English cricket grounds, potentially accommodating more spectators as the World Test Championship gains popularity worldwide.

The progression of WTC final venues reflects the evolving nature of Test cricket's premier championship event. While maintaining its current base in England, the tournament exhibits potential for geographical expansion as it continues to cultivate its global appeal and fan base. The ongoing discussion about venue selection underscores the balance between tradition and growth in Test cricket's flagship event. England's role as the current host nation has established a foundation for the championship, while future possibilities remain open for expansion to other major cricket venues worldwide.