ICC announces two iconic venues to host the finals of World Test Championships of 2023 and 2025 editions

On Wednesday, the International Cricket Council (ICC) announced the venue for the World Test Championship for the 2023 and 2025 editions. Earlier, it was decided that just like the inaugural WTC final in 2021, which was played at Lord's, the 2022-23 would be played at the same venue.

But now, the ICC has changed the location and the WTC final 2023 will be played at The Oval in London. On the other hand, the WTC final for the 2025 edition will be hosted at the Lord's. It was confirmed by the ICC in an official press release.

The ICC stated that England will host the WTC final for the next two editions in 2023 and 2005. Geoff Allardice, the ICC Chief Executive, said that they are pleased to confirm two iconic venues to host the finals of the next two WTC editions.

He said, "We are delighted to be hosting next year’s ICC World Test Championship Final at The Oval which has such a rich legacy and an amazing atmosphere. Following that we will then take the 2025 Final to Lord’s which will provide a fitting backdrop to the ultimate Test."

Speaking of the current WTC cycle, Australia is on top with a winning percentage of 70. South Africa, led by Dean Elgar, is in second place with 60%.Notably, these two teams will play a three-match test series against each other during December and January.

That series will surely have an impact on the ongoing WTC cycle and will mainly qualify the top two teams that will play the final in 2023. It was New Zealand that won the inaugural edition, beating India in the final at Lords in 2021. However, they are in ninth place at the moment, while India is in fourth and still has a slight chance to make it to the finals.

On the other hand, Steve Elworthy, the CEO of Surrey County Cricket Club, thanked the ICC for giving them the chance to host the 2023 WTC final of the ongoing edition. He said, "It’s a real honour that The Oval has been selected to host the final of the World Test Championship."

However, the date of the final of the WTC 2023 and 2025 editions is yet to be announced. It is learnt that the ICC will confirm the dates shortly.