The iconic Lord’s Cricket Ground is set to experience a significant revenue dip following India’s failure to qualify for the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) final. The prestigious five-day match, scheduled for June, will see Australia and South Africa battle for supremacy.
However, with India missing out, Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) has been forced to make adjustments to ticket pricing, leading to a projected loss of nearly £4 million. This situation highlights the immense financial influence Indian cricket holds in the global landscape.
India’s Absence Reshapes WTC Final’s Economic Outlook
India had been one of the frontrunners in the WTC standings for much of the past year. However, a string of unfavorable results—home defeats to New Zealand and a 3-1 series loss to Australia in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy—saw them slip to third place, missing out on a spot in the final.
Lord’s, which had been anticipating India’s participation, had set ticket prices at premium rates, banking on the massive demand Indian supporters typically generate. The reality of an India-less final forced MCC to rethink its pricing strategy.
Ticket Prices Slashed to Boost Attendance
Faced with the risk of empty stands, MCC opted to lower ticket prices significantly. This move was aimed at ensuring a lively atmosphere rather than holding out for higher profits from costly seats. Tickets that were initially priced at premium rates are now available between £40 and £90—approximately £50 cheaper than originally planned.
MCC had already faced criticism for expensive tickets last year when just 9,000 spectators turned up for the fourth day of England’s Test against Sri Lanka. In response, they had promised a pricing review. This year, to maintain attendance levels, they implemented a more flexible approach for the WTC final.
MCC Refunds Early Buyers as Sales Continue
Recognizing the financial implications for early buyers, MCC refunded the difference to members who had purchased tickets before the price adjustment. Despite India’s absence, the first round of public ticket sales saw strong demand for the opening four days, with another batch recently released.
Hospitality packages, particularly for the first three days, have also received a positive response, with weekday slots being highly sought after by corporate clients.
India Remains a Key Attraction for Lord’s
While the WTC final’s financial expectations have been revised, Lord’s has other marquee fixtures that are driving strong ticket sales. The venue’s Test match between England and India sold out almost immediately for the first four days. Additionally, a sold-out ODI against South Africa and a women’s ODI featuring India in July have generated high demand.
Apart from international fixtures, Lord’s will host the final of The Hundred, further boosting its annual revenue. The ground will also be the venue for a men’s mixed disability match against India, reinforcing the continued pull of Indian cricket, regardless of format.
