Indian cricket is more than a game. it is a money spinner that fuels the world cricket economy. A recent case in point is from Lord's, the legendary ground hosting the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) Final in June 2025. News is that Lord's will lose almost 4 million in revenue as India failed to make it to the final.

The Financial Power of Indian Cricket

India's participation in any high-profile ICC tournament ensures sold-out crowds, record viewership, and huge sponsorship agreements. The Indian fan community, both within India and around the world, is unparalleled. From ticketing to merchandise sales to broadcasting rights, Indian cricket earns a huge amount of money and is thus the most valuable asset for cricket globally.

The 2021 WTC Final between New Zealand and India at Southampton generated huge interest despite pandemic restrictions. When India hosted Australia at The Oval in 2023, the Indian fans packed the stands and gave an electric environment. India's absence from the 2025 final translates to a decline in revenue, impacting ticket sales, hospitality, and local businesses surrounding the venue.

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Why Does India's Absence Matter?

Cricket boards, broadcasters, and sponsors depend heavily on India's presence to make maximum profits. Indian supporters travel in huge numbers, packing stadiums globally. India's absence makes the commercial viability of the WTC Final suffer. Even neutral supporters admit that an India-powered final generates more engagement and interest than other teams.

The Bigger Picture

This is indicative of the increasing reliance of world cricket on India. Cricket may be a world sport, but no other side has the same economic clout. The ICC and the countries hosting the tournaments are aware that without India, the economics of cricket tournaments take a hit.

India's not being part of the WTC 2025 Final can be seen as a reminder of how Indian cricket is so important to the international game. On or off the field, the influence of Indian cricket cannot be denied.

India vs England 2025 Test Series: Tickets for First Series already in Demand

First 4 Days Tickets in Birmingham Test - Sold Out. First 4 Days Tickets in Lord's Test - Sold Out. - IT'S INDIA vs ENGLAND IN 2025..

Excitement for the much-hyped India vs England Test series in 2025 appears to be at breaking point, as the first four days of all four Tests in England (Edgbaston and Birmingham) and England (Lord's) have been snapped up months in advance. With how amazing this ticket rush is, the India vs England rivalry and Test cricket's worldwide rise to even higher form is evident fully.

First 4 Days Tickets in Birmingham Test - Sold Out.

First 4 Days Tickets in Lord's Test - Sold Out.

- IT'S INDIA vs ENGLAND IN 2025..!!!! 🔥 pic.twitter.com/hL4MmpDxWF

— Tanuj Singh (@ImTanujSingh) January 30, 2025

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Edgbaston Test: Historic full:
Test in a five-match series, which was due to take place in 2025 from July 2-6 at Edgbaston. With the cricket fans' response being more than what was expected, they have sold out the first four days almost 7 months before the fixture.
What is noteworthy about the sell-out is that this is the first time that EdgbassiAshes Aside have been bought up so quickly for a non-Ashes Test match. The ground, known as England's box The Fortress for its excellent history of wins will always be a crowd favourite with the electric feel said to benefit England. But Indian fans are equally vocal in their support for sport so the next match is sure to be a hotly contested energy affair.
Lord's Test: A Test For The Sports Spectacle:
The second Test scheduled to be played at ground Lord’s Cricket from 10th to 14th July 2025 attracted a similar level of fervour. Lord's, one of the most iconic cricket stadiums in the entire world; of course, has always been special to cricket fanatics. Lord's Stadium is one of a kind and the historical background of the ground ensures that sights it global fans rank the stadium on their bucket- lists.

Significance of instant sell-out at Lord's, the venue in recent years faced fears over Test match attendances particularly. The demand for the India-England encounter shows that mega matchups will still have plenty of eyeballs, reigniting the moribund concept of the game in traditional formats.

James Anderson, the legendary English fast bowler, ended his illustrious career with 705 Test wickets after bowling 40,031 legal deliveries, the most by a fast bowler in the history of cricket. Although Anderson missed a fairy tale farewell similar to his former bowling partner Stuart Broad, his final Test match was a testament to his enduring class and remarkable career.

James Anderson’s legendary career

James Anderson’s career is filled with numerous highlights and milestones that have cemented his place as one of the greatest fast bowlers of all time. Making his debut in 2003, Anderson played 188 Tests over 19 years, consistently delivering match-winning performances. He holds the record for the most wickets, most deliveries, and most matches by a fast bowler, showcasing his longevity and endurance in a demanding role.

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The final test match

In his final Test match against the West Indies, England hammered the visitors by an innings and 114 runs, bowling them out for 136 in the second innings. The match lasted only two days and a session, with Anderson taking four wickets, including a three-wicket haul. Despite a stellar debut performance by Gus Atkinson, who picked up 12 wickets, it was Anderson who led the team off the ground to a standing ovation from the Lord’s crowd.

Missed fairy-tale farewell

Anderson’s retirement came shortly after Stuart Broad announced his departure from all forms of cricket. Broad fittingly took a wicket with the final ball he bowled to win the Test for England. Anderson, however, missed out on this iconic moment. In his last over, Anderson bowled to Motie, who was beaten on the flick with a short-of-length delivery. An appeal for LBW was half-hearted and dismissed due to the height and angle down leg.

Anderson’s Last Over

In the 44th over of the West Indies’ second innings, Anderson had the chance to end his career on a high note with a wicket. However, he dropped a straightforward return catch, a rare lapse in an otherwise impeccable career. The crowd remained supportive, appreciating Anderson’s contributions over the years.

England’s dominant victory

England’s comprehensive victory was marked by Gus Atkinson’s remarkable debut. The 26-year-old pacer picked up seven wickets in the first innings and five in the second, overshadowing Anderson’s farewell performance. Nonetheless, Anderson’s presence and leadership on the field were evident as he guided the young bowler.

Anderson’s emotional send-off

The Lord’s crowd gave Anderson a fitting send-off, rising to their feet to applaud his efforts. Anderson received a guard of honour from his teammates at the start of the day’s play, an emotional moment that he handled with grace. His composure and humility were on full display as he bowed out of international cricket.

Career statistics

James Anderson’s career statistics are a testament to his greatness. With 705 wickets in 188 Tests, he stands as the highest wicket-taking fast bowler in history. His tally of 40,031 deliveries is a record for fast bowlers, reflecting his consistency and endurance.

James Anderson in Test cricket
Mats: 188
Wkts: 704
Avg: 26.45
SR: 56.8
ER: 2.79
BBI: 7/42
BBM: 11/71
5-fer: 32
10-fer: 3

Gus Atkinson’s remarkable debut

Gus Atkinson’s debut performance was a highlight of Anderson’s farewell match. The young pacer’s 12-wicket haul showcased his potential and hinted at a bright future for England’s bowling attack. Anderson’s mentorship and guidance were evident as he partnered with Atkinson on the field.

Gus Atkinson’s two 5-fers in the match is the first time for an England bowler on debut since 1934 and the first by a pacer since 1972 when Bob Massie (AUS) took against England at Lord’s.