The Oval Set to Host 2027 ICC World Test Championship Final

2027 ICC World Test Championship Final Venue Confirmed

London, July 23: The Oval has been officially designated as the location for the 2027 ICC World Test Championship (WTC) Final, which is set to take place from June 9 to 13.

This upcoming championship will be the second occasion that The Oval hosts the final, having previously done so in 2021 when Australia triumphed over India in front of a full house.

During the ICC Annual Conference in 2025, the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) was granted the rights to host the next three WTC Finals, including those in 2027, 2029, and 2031. The initial three finals were held at various venues across England, with Lord’s hosting the 2025 final where South Africa defeated Australia by five wickets.

New Zealand won the first title by overcoming India in Southampton in 2021, followed by Australia claiming the trophy at The Oval in 2023. The forthcoming final will also mark the conclusion of the fourth cycle of the World Test Championship.

Neil Snowball, the ECB Managing Director of Competitions and Major Events, expressed pride in England's role as host for this prestigious event in the longest format of cricket.

“We are thrilled to host the next three ICC World Test Championship Finals in England and Wales, and we are excited to confirm that The Oval will be the venue once again next year. The 2023 final at The Oval was a tremendous success with both broadcasters and fans, and I am confident that next year’s event will be even more special,” Snowball stated.

“This will be another fantastic opportunity for cricket enthusiasts in this country and globally to witness the top two Test teams from the past two years compete in a remarkable event,” he added in an ECB announcement on Thursday.

The 2027 final will also hold added historical importance as it coincides with the 150th anniversary of Test cricket, enhancing the significance of a match that showcases the two leading Test teams from the preceding two-year period.

Gaurav Saxena, ICC General Manager for Events & Operations, noted that the selection of The Oval underscores the strong partnership between the ICC and the ECB, while also acknowledging The Oval's esteemed place in cricket history.

“The ICC World Test Championship Final has become one of the most prestigious events in the global cricket calendar, uniting the two best Test teams after two years of consistent excellence. The confirmation of The Oval as the venue for the 2027 final further highlights the collaborative relationship between the ICC and the ECB, which was evident during the successful ICC Women’s T20 World Cup,” Saxena remarked.

“The 2027 World Test Championship Final will be particularly meaningful as cricket commemorates 150 years of Test cricket. The Oval has been integral to our sport's history and has hosted many unforgettable moments. We eagerly anticipate collaborating with the ECB to deliver another exceptional event that honors the legacy of Test cricket and creates lasting memories for fans worldwide,” Saxena concluded.

Currently, Australia leads the WTC rankings with 87.50 percentage points, followed by defending champions South Africa in second place with 75 percentage points. New Zealand, Bangladesh, and India occupy the third, fourth, and fifth positions, while Sri Lanka, England, the West Indies, and Pakistan are ranked sixth, seventh, eighth, and ninth, respectively.