World Test Championship (WTC Final): A Comprehensive Guide

The World Test Championship (WTC) is a premier Test cricket tournament administered by the International Cricket Council (ICC). The inaugural edition of the WTC took place from 2019 to 2021, with the latest edition currently running from 2023 to 2025. This tournament follows a league and final format, featuring nine participating teams in the ongoing edition.

Champions and Records

Australia, the reigning champions, clinched their first WTC Final title by defeating India in the 2023 final. Both New Zealand and Australia have one title each, making them the most successful teams in the tournament's history. England's Joe Root holds the record for the most runs with 4,307, while Australia's Nathan Lyon has taken the most wickets with 187. The WTC has had three editions so far: 2019–2021, 2021–2023, and 2023–2025, with the next planned for 2025–2027. India has reached the finals in both previous editions but finished as runners-up.

Participating Teams in WTC 2025

In the ongoing WTC 2025, nine teams are competing: Australia, Bangladesh, England, India, New Zealand, Pakistan, South Africa, Sri Lanka, and the West Indies. These full-time ICC members will each play a total of six series, either at home or away, against different opponents.

WTC 2023-25 League Stage Schedule

The WTC is a long-format tournament spanning two years, with teams playing both home and away series at various international venues. The current edition began with the Ashes series in 2023 and will conclude at Lord’s in London in June 2025, where the top two teams on the points table will battle for the championship.

WTC 2025: Venues

The WTC series will be conducted at various international venues from 2023 to 2025. Starting with the Ashes series in England, the tournament will move across different locations, including the Caribbean, Sri Lanka, and Australia. Although not all venues for the ongoing WTC have been finalized, notable series include Pakistan hosting the West Indies and the Warne-Muralitharan Trophy between Sri Lanka and Australia. The grand finale will take place at Lord’s in London in June 2025.

The Road to the 2023-2025 WTC Title

The title for the 2023-2025 World Test Championship is still up for grabs, with the final match scheduled for 2025. The top two teams with the highest percentage points (PCT) on the points table will face off in the ultimate showdown to claim the prestigious trophy. As the remaining matches unfold, fans can expect thrilling battles and unforgettable moments as teams compete for the coveted title. Only time will reveal which team will emerge victorious and etch their name in history.