Xtra Time Web Desk: The inaugural ICC World Test Championship (WTC) final between India and New Zealand will take place at the Ageas Bowl in Southampton, confirmed Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) President Sourav Ganguly. The final will be played from June 18-22. Although there is no official confirmation from ICC about the venue but Ganguly in an interview to India Today said the WTC final will be held at the Ageas Bowl.
“I’m looking forward to attending the World Test Championship final between India and New Zealand in Southampton,” Ganguly said on India Today.
“Yeah, it is in Southampton. It was decided a long time ago. Due to COVID and they [in Southampton] have the hotel absolutely close. When England resumed play after COVID, they had a lot of matches in Southampton due to the same reason.”
The reason the venue is believed to be the frontrunner is the logistical and operational advantages compared to other county grounds. The county ground is attached to the Hilton hotel. It is the same venue which had hosted matches during the series between England and West Indies, and Pakistan.
Ganguly was asked about whether the World Test Championship comes together with the 50-over World Cup to which the BCCI president said: “Every trophy has its own value. The 50-over World Cup is an amazing spectacle. It (WTC) was a bit complicated this time because of the pandemic. We will see when every team has played an equal number of games.”
“Massive achievements given what the players have gone through. Right from the IPL in September to early March and they are not finished yet. A good 6 months in bio-bubbles and what they have achieved is fantastic,” said Ganguly.