The inaugural ICC Women’s Champions Trophy is set to move out of Sri Lanka, with India reportedly emerging as the frontrunner to host the six-team tournament in February 2027. The International Cricket Council (ICC) has taken the decision to shift the event after raising concerns over government involvement in the administration of Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC).
According to a report by India Today, the ICC is expected to finalise the new venue during its upcoming Board meeting, with India currently leading the race to host the historic competition.
The development has also raised questions over Sri Lanka Women’s participation in the tournament. Prakash Shaffter, Secretary of the SLC Transformation Committee, confirmed that the event had been moved out of Sri Lanka but said the replacement venue had not yet been decided.
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“Yes, it has been moved out of Sri Lanka. It will be played at another venue, but as of now, I am not sure where it will be played,” Prakash Shaffter was quoted as saying by The Sunday Times.
Sri Lanka Cricket is currently being administered by a government-appointed Transformation Committee, which was formed to oversee reforms within the board, including proposed changes to its constitution and governance structure. However, the ICC does not recognise politically appointed interim administrations. As a result, SLC representatives have reportedly been barred from attending ICC Board meetings since the Transformation Committee assumed control.
The inaugural edition of the ICC Women’s Champions Trophy 2027 will no longer be held in Sri Lanka.
ICC has reportedly stripped Sri Lanka of the hosting rights amid continuing concerns over government involvement in the administration of SLC.
The 6-team T20I tournament,… pic.twitter.com/JNo4nKoWjw
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The ICC had previously addressed the matter in July, stating that it had received an update on the proposed constitutional reforms and reiterated the importance of holding elections as soon as possible. The global governing body also confirmed that SLC would remain without representation at ICC Board meetings until further notice.
The Transformation Committee has reportedly prepared a draft constitution and submitted it to Sri Lanka’s sports minister. However, the proposed changes still need to go through the required legal process before potentially being presented to Parliament. The process could take time, leaving uncertainty over when an elected administration will return to SLC.
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A change in host country could have a major impact on Sri Lanka Women’s Champions Trophy qualification. The six-team tournament is expected to feature the top five ranked teams along with the host nation. Sri Lanka are currently ranked sixth, meaning their participation could come under threat if the tournament is officially moved to India or another country.
