The 2025 ICC World Test Championship (WTC) final battle will take place from June 11-15 at London’s famous Lord’s Cricket Ground for the championship final. The defending champions Australia prepare to battle South Africa as table leaders at the prestigious title contest. The inaugural WTC final held at Lord’s represents the beginning of a landmark history there even while half of the venue’s revenue faces potential loss thanks to India’s exclusion from the championship.
According to The Times, “Organisers had originally priced tickets at a premium rate, believing India fan demand would outstrip supply, but the absence of India has significantly curtailed the financial windfall expected by Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC), underscoring the financial influence of Indian cricket across the global game.”
Through Rohit Sharma’s leadership, India became the prime candidate to play in their third WTC final but failed at a crucial period in the tournament. The team suffered from a home defeat to New Zealand in a 0-3 series before dropping three matches to Australia in the 2024-25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy which caused their tournament exit.
Lord’s had initially set ticket rates at a premium price, expecting India to qualify and compete in the final. They were confident that there would be a large audience and that demand from Indian cricket fans would outstrip supply. However, the MCC decided to lower ticket prices after India’s absence was confirmed in order to guarantee a packed and exciting stadium instead of one that was just moderately crowded and had expensive seats.
The Times reported, “The decision to be flexible with prices for the World Test Championship final was taken this year, with tickets now being sold at between £40 and £90, about £50 cheaper than they had originally been priced, accounting for the loss in revenue.”
The third Test of the India-England series, which is set for July 10–14, will also be held at Lord’s after the WTC final.
