WTC champions should host the final of the next edition: Pat Cummins

Pat Cummins Suggests WTC Final Should Be Hosted by the Defending Champions

The World Test Championship (WTC) final is being held in England for the third time in a row. This trend started with the inaugural final in 2021, when New Zealand defeated India by 8 wickets at the Rose Bowl in Southampton. The second edition also took place in England, this time at The Oval in London, where Australia beat India by a huge margin of 209 runs.

Now, in the ongoing cycle of the WTC, the final match is again scheduled in England—this time at the historic Lord’s Cricket Ground in London. Australia will face South Africa from June 11 in what promises to be a high-intensity clash. While the English venues have consistently been the preferred choice for hosting this marquee Test event, there is now a growing conversation about where future WTC finals should be played.

Amidst reports that the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is interested in hosting the final of the next WTC cycle, Australian captain Pat Cummins has shared a different perspective. He believes that the winner of the current WTC should earn the right to host the final of the next edition. His suggestion adds a new and interesting dimension to the ongoing debate about the WTC final’s venue.

Pat Cummins made his comments ahead of the final clash with South Africa. Speaking to India Today Cricket, Cummins said, “Logically, it seems that organizing it at one place is probably the easiest way. It would be nice, but it would be better if the winner of the previous season hosts the final match.”

He acknowledged that Lord’s is a fantastic venue and hosting the final there every time does bring consistency. However, he emphasized that giving the hosting rights to the defending champion would make the tournament more rewarding and competitive. According to Cummins, this would also give an additional incentive for teams to win the title, as hosting a final at home could offer both pride and advantage.

Cummins also reflected on the journey of the Australian team over the past few years. “The last four years have been very successful for this group,” he said. “It has been a huge part of the players’, support staff’s, and our careers.”

He added that winning the WTC title again would be a major milestone for Australia. “If we win this time, having two maces (trophies) is a really important thing. We feel that we have all been the best team in the world in different situations and finally holding the mace will be a huge sign—not only now but also in the future.”

Cummins' proposal certainly brings a fresh perspective to the table. Hosting the WTC final is not just a matter of logistics or tradition—it also holds symbolic value. By suggesting that the reigning champions be rewarded with home advantage, Cummins may have set the stage for a wider discussion among cricket boards and the International Cricket Council (ICC).

Whether the ICC will consider his idea remains to be seen. But with more nations keen to host high-profile matches and Test cricket seeking more global exposure, changes to the current model are always a possibility.

For now, all eyes will be on Lord’s, where the 2025 WTC final will crown the best Test team in the world. But the future of this grand event—and where it takes place—might soon look very different if Cummins’ idea gains support.