We’re in talks with ICC for a possible change in WTC Final venue: Jay Shah

BCCI secretary Jay Shah. (Photo Source: Twitter)

The World Test Championship (WTC) Final had found a new home in England for the last two editions in 2021 and 2023. However, there are indications that the upcoming World Test Championship 2025 Final could be shifted after the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) secretary Jay Shah‘s recent revelation.

India has been part of the last two WTC Finals, losing to New Zealand in 2021 followed by a disappointing defeat against Australia in the second cycle. The Indian team’s eagerness to finally lift the prestigious Test crown has been evident, but the English conditions have proved challenging.

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Recently Shah acknowledged the difficulties of finding an alternative slot in June for the summit clash but revealed that discussions have taken place with the International Cricket Council (ICC) regarding potential new venues for the celebrated event.

“We have spoken to the ICC about it. They will consider changing the venue,” Shah said during a media interaction at the BCCI headquarters, as quoted by ESPNcricinfo.

India currently tops the WTC rankings with 74 points and a 68.52% points percentage. The formidable Australian team closely follows in second place. With two home series remaining in the ongoing cycle, India will be keen to consolidate their position and secure a spot in the 2025 Final.

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The repeated staging of the WTC Final in England has drawn criticism, with teams like India facing difficult batting conditions against quality seam attacks. A venue change could level the playing field and provide a fresh challenge for the participating teams.

India’s next Test assignment will be against Australia for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy down under, which is a part of the WTC 2023-25 cycle. The last two times India travelled to Australia, they won the series 2-1, an assignment which also saw the visitors breach the Gabba fortress after 28 years in a fifth-day thriller at Brisbane.