The cricketing world is abuzz as the 2025 World Test Championship (WTC) Final, 3rd time in England & it unfolds at the iconic Lord’s Cricket Ground in London. The stage is set for a thrilling contest between Australia and South Africa, both vying for the prestigious title. But there’s a conspicuous absence that has everyone talking: India.
The Final Showdown
From June 11 to June 15, 2025, Lord’s is hosting its first-ever WTC Final, a landmark event in the cricketing calendar. The match features:
- Australia, the defending champions, aiming to retain their title.
- South Africa, making their maiden appearance in a WTC Final, eager to claim their first major ICC trophy.
The stakes are high, with a £2.6 million prize up for grabs, underscoring the significance of this clash .
The Missing Element
While the match promises to be a spectacle, there’s a palpable sense of something missing. The absence of India, a cricketing powerhouse or we can say a supergiant of cricketing nations, has left a void in the tournament’s atmosphere. Historically, India’s participation in global events has been a major draw, both in terms of viewership and revenue.
The Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC), which owns Lord’s, had initially priced tickets at premium rates, anticipating high demand due to India’s involvement. However, with India failing to qualify for the final, ticket prices were reduced to between £40 and £90 to ensure a full stadium. This adjustment reflects the significant impact of India’s absence on the event’s dynamics .
Voices from the Cricketing World– What does the Expert says about the final & predictions:
The cricketing community has expressed various opinions regarding the current WTC format and India’s absence:
- Harbhajan Singh, former Indian cricketer, expressed confidence in Australia’s chances against South Africa, citing their extensive experience and strong familiarity with English playing conditions as key advantages .
- Stuart Broad, former England pacer, supports South Africa in a coaching role, adding an interesting twist to the coaching dynamics of the final .
Though both experts reacting as neutral, The rivalry of ASHES do feel in Broads View & actions to support SA in their Preparations. Will be interesting to see how the things go ahead for Stuart Broad in the latter part of his carrier.
How The World Sees it
As the final progresses, the cricketing world watches closely. The absence of India has sparked discussions about the future of the WTC and the need for a more inclusive and balanced format. The hope is that future editions will see a return to the traditional round-robin format, allowing all teams to play against each other and ensuring that the best teams reach the final.
In the meantime, fans can enjoy the ongoing final, appreciating the skills and strategies of the two competing teams. Whether you’re supporting Australia, South Africa, or simply enjoying the game, the WTC Final at Lord’s is a testament to the enduring appeal of Test cricket.
Let’s be honest:
WTC Final without India is like chai without masala, or the IPL without Dhoni memes. It still exists, sure… but where’s the flavor?
Because in world cricket, India isn’t just a team — it’s the plotline, the box office, and the sherwani at every global cricket wedding. 📈🇮🇳
Australia and South Africa might be in the final, but India? India’s the headline—even when it’s not in the story.
Over to You
What do you think — is Test cricket still thriving, or is it coasting on Indian fandom? Drop your thoughts in the comments. Let the debate begin! 👇
By Dhruv Kaushal | June 10, 2025
Hoping for a Test to remember