WTC final to be held as scheduled in Southampton despite UK adding India to its travel 'red list' over Covid-19 surge: ICC

The International Cricket Council on Monday said that it is confident of hosting the World Test Championship final as scheduled despite the worsening Covid-19 situation, especially in India. The final of the inaugural edition of the Test Championship will be played at the Ageas Bowl in Southampton from June 18 to 22 between India and New Zealand.

Notably, the United Kingdom on Monday added India to its travel 'red list', banning arrivals from the country as the Asian country is experience a second wave of Covid-19 pandemic.

However, the ICC is confident of staging the event as planned. "We are currently discussing with



the UK Government the impact of countries being on the 'red list'," an ICC spokesperson said.

"The ECB and other Members have demonstrated how we can stage international cricket safely in the middle of a pandemic, and we are confident that we can continue to do that and that the World Test Championship Final will go ahead as planned in June in the UK."

India sealed a memorable 2-1 Test series win in Australia earlier this year that propelled them closer to the final berth. A 3-1 win over England at home sealed the deal for India as Virat Kohli has another chance to win his maiden ICC trophy with the senior national team.