Former India head coach and cricket commentator Ravi Shastri has sparked a fresh debate in the global cricketing community by suggesting that the World Test Championship (WTC) Final should be moved to larger-capacity venues like Ahmedabad’s Narendra Modi Stadium or Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) in the future. Speaking on the Wisden Cricket podcast, Shastri acknowledged Lord’s historical prestige but emphasized the need for bigger stadiums to match the WTC Final’s growing stature.
📌 Key Highlights
| Topic | Details |
|---|---|
| Speaker | Ravi Shastri |
| Current Venue | Lord’s Cricket Ground, London |
| Suggested Venues | Narendra Modi Stadium (Ahmedabad), MCG (Melbourne) |
| Reason for Suggestion | Larger crowd capacity, global fan engagement |
| Lord’s Capacity | ~31,000 |
| Narendra Modi Stadium | 132,000 |
| MCG Capacity | 100,024 |
| ICC’s Current Plan | Lord’s to host 2027, 2029, and 2031 WTC Finals |
🧠 Shastri’s Argument: Tradition vs. Transformation
Shastri acknowledged that Lord’s is a great venue, especially in the early years of the WTC, but argued that the tournament has now matured enough to warrant a shift to larger, more inclusive venues.
“Lord’s is not a 100,000-seater stadium. Once the WTC Final gets the popularity and eyebrows it deserves, then it can start shifting,” Shastri said.
He added that Ahmedabad and Melbourne are ideal because they can draw massive crowds regardless of the teams involved, ensuring a vibrant atmosphere and greater global visibility.
🏟️ Venue Comparison Table
| Venue | Country | Seating Capacity | Hosted WTC Final | Notable Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lord’s | England | ~31,000 | 2025 (SA vs AUS) | Historic, neutral crowd, traditional venue |
| Narendra Modi Stadium | India | 132,000 | No | Largest cricket stadium in the world |
| Melbourne Cricket Ground | Australia | 100,024 | No | Iconic, multi-format cricket venue |
| The Oval | England | ~27,000 | 2023 (AUS vs IND) | Hosted 2nd WTC Final |
| Rose Bowl (Southampton) | England | ~25,000 | 2021 (IND vs NZ) | Hosted inaugural WTC Final |
🔁 WTC Final History
| Year | Venue | Teams | Winner | Attendance (Approx.) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | Rose Bowl | India vs NZ | New Zealand | 4,000 (COVID-limited) |
| 2023 | The Oval | Australia vs India | Australia | 27,000 |
| 2025 | Lord’s | South Africa vs AUS | South Africa | 30,000 |
| 2027 | Lord’s (Planned) | TBD | TBD | TBD |
| 2029 | Lord’s (Planned) | TBD | TBD | TBD |
🌍 Global Reactions and ICC’s Stance
While Shastri’s comments have been welcomed by many fans and former players, the International Cricket Council (ICC) has reaffirmed its commitment to hosting the next three WTC Finals in England. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) had submitted a bid to host the 2027 final, but it was rejected in favor of England’s proven ability to host neutral Tests with consistent attendance.
📈 Why Ahmedabad?
The Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad is not only the largest cricket stadium in the world, but it also successfully hosted the 2023 ICC ODI World Cup Final. Its modern infrastructure, crowd management capabilities, and electric atmosphere make it a strong candidate for future global events.
“Ahmedabad can be a great place for the WTC Final. Basically, the places where you can draw a crowd,” Shastri emphasized.
🧮 Potential Impact of Venue Shift
| Factor | Lord’s (Current) | Ahmedabad (Proposed) | MCG (Proposed) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Seating Capacity | ~31,000 | 132,000 | 100,024 |
| Ticket Revenue Potential | Moderate | Very High | Very High |
| Global Broadcast Appeal | High | Very High | Very High |
| Neutrality Perception | Strong | Moderate | Moderate |
| Weather Reliability (June) | Moderate | High (dry season) | Moderate |
🗣️ What Others Are Saying
- Pat Cummins, Australia captain, has also suggested a rotating host model, where the defending champion could host the next final.
- FIFPRO and player unions have raised concerns about travel and scheduling, but agree that larger venues could enhance the spectacle.
- Fans on social media have largely supported Shastri’s view, with hashtags like #WTCFinalInAhmedabad trending in India.
🏏 What’s Next?
Despite the ICC’s current stance, the growing popularity of the WTC and the success of large-scale events in India and Australia may eventually force a rethink. With the 2027 final already locked in for Lord’s, the earliest possible shift could happen in 2033, unless the ICC revises its Future Tours Programme.
