The world cricket final is a showcase for the greatest players in the game, and this year it features two of the most talented teams in the history of Test matches. It’s a five-day circus that will draw the public and should serve as a reminder that Test cricket still has the ability to be a major global event.
The finalists are South Africa and Australia, who finished at the top of the WTC25 standings with a combined total of 10 series victories over the course of this cycle. The Proteas’ first Black captain Siya Bavuma and ace fast bowler Kagiso Rabada have both played major roles in this success, as have the Aussies’ talisman Steve Smith and swashbuckling Travis Head.
In addition to the prestige of hosting a final, England’s central location in the world’s time zones facilitates optimal viewership across all continents. The country also has extensive infrastructure that can support the logistical demands of a major sporting event, particularly when there are multiple fixtures taking place at once.
However, the format is not without its critics, most notably the ICC’s exclusion of Afghanistan, Ireland and Zimbabwe from participation in the WTC in favour of nine full members. It has also been questioned whether the ICC is prioritizing profits above the future health of the game by including points deductions and a possible division into two six-team divisions with promotion and relegation. This proposal was considered at a recent meeting but will be put on hold for the 2027-2029 cycle.