Image: India's failure to qualify for the WTC final resulted in a big loss / © ESPNCricinfo
For the 2025 World Test Championship (WTC) Final, Lord’s Cricket Ground is facing a financial setback of nearly £4 million due to India’s absence. The highly anticipated match, scheduled for June 11-15, will be played between Australia and South Africa, which finished as the top two teams.
Initially, the Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) set premium ticket prices, expecting a large turnout of Indian fans. India, known for its massive global following, usually attracts huge crowds, significantly boosting revenue. However, after India’s failure to qualify, MCC was forced to reduce ticket prices by nearly £50 per seat, dropping the range to £40-£90 to ensure a full stadium.
India’s poor performance in the latter part of the WTC cycle led to their elimination. They lost six of their last eight Tests, including a 0-3 home defeat to New Zealand and a 1-3 loss to Australia in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. These unexpected results allowed Australia and South Africa to secure their spots in the final. Despite the financial impact, the WTC final promises an intense battle between two teams with strong fast-bowling attacks, ensuring an exciting contest at the historic Lord’s.