BCCI Eyes holds the 2027 World Exam Championship Finals in India, but Pakistan has a problem
The first two finals were held in the Rose Bowl in Southampton and the Oval in London, with India facing defeats against New Zealand and Australia respectively.
BCCI is preparing to formally propose to the International Criminal Court for the right to hold the World Exam Championship Final in 2027, aiming to be the first country outside England to participate in the prestigious event. According to a report from The Guardian, BCCI is eager to gain custody of the high-profile test match, marking the fourth cycle since the start of the match. The first two finals were held in the Rose Bowl in Southampton and the Oval in London, with India facing defeats against New Zealand and Australia respectively. This year, the third final will put Australia in June with South Africa at Lord’s.
The report stressed that India expressed interest in hosting future finals at an ICC CEOs’ committee meeting in Zimbabwe earlier this year and plans to submit a formal bid this summer. England has traditionally been a strong contender for hosts, thanks to its appeal to a large crowd for testing matches, even if neutral teams are in the game, the timing of the match is exactly in line with the start of the international cricket season.
However, the Guardian also pointed out some concerns about India’s bid, especially if India is not eligible for the third final within four years, it is possible to attract a neutral crowd. In this case, ticket sales are crucial to the ICC, which will begin on June 11 for the first four days of the game that will be sold out in Lord’s final.
Ongoing India-Parker crisis raises concerns about Indian bidding
The report highlights the tensions between India and Pakistan as a major issue. Despite the last two cricket committees having long had a tough diplomatic relationship after the terrorist attacks and subsequent military operations in Pahalgam. India’s decision to skip the recent ICC championship trophy in Pakistan will only increase existing friction.
A deal has been reached between PCB, BCCI and ICC that all India-Pakistan matches will be played in neutral positions until the end of 2027. The agreement complicated India’s bid for the WTC final, especially in the case of Pakistani qualifications. A suggestion plan (such as choosing an alternative place) may be included in the proposal.
While the report does not discuss specific Veanue options, the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad and Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai are expected to be the top contenders to host the finals. India will begin the 2025-27 World Exam Championship cycle from a five-game series held in England starting on June 20.
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