The team that tops the WTC table should host the final: Aakash Chopra

The International Cricket Council (ICC) announced the schedule of the second World Test Championship (WTC) cycle from the year 2021-23, after the success of the first year in which New Zealand were crowned winners. Although there were few glitches along the way, the ICC made sure to give all the Test-playing nations a fair chance of coming at the top in two years cycle.

Former India opening batter Aakash Chopra though suggested that that the team who tops the WTC cycle, should have the right to host the final. Incidentally, India topped the group, but the final was played at a neutral venue in England.

With the schedules and fixtures for each team out, the ICC is yet to decide on the host nation for the WTC Final. “There are a couple of suggestions. You will not be able to change anything else as you have already announced that there will be only six series and home and away will have the same weightage but I have a suggestion for the final. The team that tops the WTC table should host the final,” said Chopra in a video on his YT channel.

The cricketer-turned-commentator believes if the ICC decides to have only one final to determine the winner then it should give the team who comes out on top to host the marquee final. If ICC decides it will have three finals, then it can stick with any host nation.

“You might have to move the final two-three months here or there because of that but it is fine if you are playing just one match. If you are going to have three, it is great, then you can do it anywhere.”

Aakash Chopra reckons the visiting team should be given the right to decide on batting or bowling first

The former India opening batter also stressed the point to give the visiting team a chance to decide whether they want to bowl or bat. He concluded by saying that with the host nation getting a chance to stage the WTC Final, the crowds too will come out in large numbers to support their team.

“When you are doing this, you should eliminate the toss. You should give the toss to the visitor, he can decide but it should happen where the hosts are.”

“When you do it in the host nation, there will be huge crowds which you are always worried about. So you will not have to think too much about that.”