London’s iconic Lord’s Cricket Ground will host the high-stakes match in the 2025 ICC World Test Championship (WTC) final from June 11–15. In what looks to be a tough battle for the coveted crown, table-toppers South Africa will take on reigning champions Australia. The WTC final will be held at Lord’s for the first time, although the venue is expected to suffer significant financial losses—roughly £4 million—as a result of India’s elimination from the championship match.
The Times reported that “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.”
India, the favourites to advance to their third consecutive WTC final, suffered a devastating loss in the tournament’s closing stages under the leadership of Rohit Sharma. They ended the 2024–25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy campaign with a 1-3 loss to Australia after a humiliating 0–3 series loss at home against New Zealand.
Lord’s had initially set ticket rates at a premium price, expecting India to qualify and play in the finals.
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. “This year’s decision to be flexible with prices for the World Test Championship final was made, and tickets are now sold at between £40 and £90, which is approximately £50 less than they had been priced initially, accounting for the loss in revenue,” the Times stated.
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.
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