Expecting full crowds for at least first four days of WTC final: Wasim Khan

With all the attention gradually shifting from Indian Premier League (IPL) to the World Test Championship (WTC) Final, ICC's General Manager Wasim Khan has said that the global body has been working closely with the local organising committee to ensure that the fans and viewers get a good experience. 

Wasim also hoping that there will be a full house for at least first four days for the final game as the clash of the two supergiants, India and Australia, will be a treat for all cricket lovers. When asked about why the final is being played in the UK for the second straight edition, the 52-year-old said that The Oval is a neutral venue for both the finalists and is a perfect fit for the tournament's setup because it closely aligns with the northern hemisphere in terms of the final every two years.

“We have been working very closely with the local organizing committee (ECB) to ensure it is a great spectacle for the fans. We are expecting full crowds for each of at least the first four days. We know we are heading in the right direction,” Wasim said in a select media interaction.

“The way the WTC cycle is set up, we are playing in the northern hemisphere summer. We look for diverse venues, currently as it stands within England. Lord’s was considered but decision was made on The Oval for this edition. In terms of the final every two years, the UK very much suits the set-up of the tournament because it very much falls in line with the northern hemisphere," he added.

WTC has been signed off for the next eight years at least: Wasim Khan

Commenting on the structure of the WTC, Wasim said that it is working well for the longest format of the game. Notably, the ICC has also made a few changes to the playing conditions as soft signal has been scrapped. 

“We made small changes in terms of playing conditions, the soft signal is not there moving forward but the actual structure of the two-year cycle is constantly reviewed by the members. We take their feedback before progressing to the next year but the great news is WTC has been signed off for the next eight years at least," Wasim said.

He also pointed out the fact that out of the 69 matches played in the cycle, there have been only 12 draws, which is sufficient to show the positive impact that the WTC has caused on the way in which Test cricket is being played. 

“We have really moved on in this second edition. 69 matches and only 12 draws which tell us there is a huge amount of positive cricket being played and people are trying to get results because the end goal is to get to the final. We have seen England transform how Test cricket is being played, and that bodes well for the future. I think the overall quality of cricket is for all to see, and we have got the best two teams now in the final.”