ICC Confirms Southampton As Venue For World Test Championship Final

The International Cricket Council (ICC) on Wednesday (March 10) confirmed Southampton’s Hampshire Bowl as the venue for the final of the World Test Championship between India and New Zealand. The decision, taken by the ICC Board, follows discussions with the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) where a range of options were considered to ensure […]
 
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ICC Confirms Southampton As Venue For World Test Championship Final

The International Cricket Council (ICC) on Wednesday (March 10) confirmed Southampton’s Hampshire Bowl as the venue for the final of the World Test Championship between India and New Zealand.

The decision, taken by the ICC Board, follows discussions with the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) where a range of options were considered to ensure the inaugural final could be staged safely with the potential impact of COVID-19 minimised for all involved.

In selecting The Hampshire Bowl, the ICC drew on ECB’s experience of delivering a full summer of bio-safe international cricket in 2020. The venue provides world-class playing and training facilities, giving both teams the best possible environment in which to prepare. Whilst the on-site accommodation will significantly reduce the risk around COVID-19 transmission and better protect the health and safety of everyone involved in delivering the final.

Tom Harrison, the ECB CEO, said “As the world’s first fully bio-secure cricket venue, it has shown itself capable of delivering international matches to the highest of standards, even against the backdrop of a global pandemic. I am sure the finale of the ICC World Test Championship will be a wonderful occasion.”

Limited fans could be allowed into stadium: ICC

It was also confirmed by the ICC, should the UK government’s phased easing of COVID-19 lockdown measures proceed as planned, it is anticipated that a limited number of fans will be allowed into the Hampshire Bowl to watch the final.

ICC Confirms Southampton As Venue For World Test Championship Final

“We are confident that in selecting the Hampshire Bowl, we have given ourselves the best possible chance to successfully deliver the final whilst keeping everyone involved safe and healthy and giving fans the opportunity to watch the two best Test teams in the world go head-to-head for the right to call themselves the ICC World Test Champions,” said Geoff Aldrice, ICC’s General Manager.

“I would like to thank the ECB for their guidance and advice to enable us to make this decision, which gives us the best possible opportunity to deliver a safe and successful World Test Championship Final.”

The final is scheduled to be held from 18th June to 22nd June.

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