Archive · 3 Sep 2026
Sri Lanka Loses Women’s Champions Trophy Hosting Rights
The ICC decided that India, not Sri Lanka, will host the first Women’s Champions Trophy.
The tournament will take place from February 14 to 28, 2027.
Games are planned for Mumbai and Vadodara.
Sri Lanka could lose at least USD 20 million because it will not receive the expected hosting benefits.
The ICC is worried about how Sri Lanka Cricket is being run.
It wants an elected cricket board instead of the current government-appointed committee.
Sri Lanka can still play in the tournament if it ranks among the top six teams.
The reports differ slightly about the teams listed because they mention five confirmed sides and then name two teams competing for one remaining place.
The ICC Board approved moving the inaugural Women’s Champions Trophy from Sri Lanka to India.
India will host the six-team tournament in Mumbai and Vadodara from February 14 to 28, 2027.
Sri Lanka is reportedly facing at least USD 20 million in lost potential revenue.
The ICC cited concerns over Sri Lanka Cricket’s governance, political interference and delayed board elections.
Sri Lanka can still qualify as a competitor, while the tournament format and final date remain unchanged.
- Who
- The International Cricket Council, Sri Lanka Cricket, India and Sri Lanka are central to the decision; the tournament is intended to feature six teams.
- What
- The ICC moved hosting rights for the inaugural Women’s Champions Trophy from Sri Lanka to India.
- When
- The ICC Board ratified the move on Tuesday; the tournament is scheduled for February 14–28, 2027.
- Where
- Matches will be held in Mumbai and Vadodara, India.
- Why
- The ICC cited concerns about political interference, Sri Lanka Cricket’s governance structure and delayed board elections.
ICC governance position
Sri Lankan institutional position
Hosting rights
ICC governance position
The ICC moved the event after continuing concerns about political interference and the lack of an elected Sri Lanka Cricket administration recognised by the world body.
Sri Lankan institutional position
Sri Lanka’s cricket authorities lost a major hosting opportunity while the country’s governance reforms and election process remain unresolved.
Reform timetable
ICC governance position
The reported ICC concerns include long-pending board elections and the continuation of an interim, government-appointed structure.
Sri Lankan institutional position
Members of the Transformation Committee reportedly expect constitutional reforms and fresh elections to be completed before the end of 2026, subject to parliamentary progress.
Tournament participation
ICC governance position
The hosting decision does not automatically remove Sri Lanka from the competition.
Sri Lankan institutional position
Sri Lanka can retain a place by finishing among the top six, while West Indies and Sri Lanka are reported to be competing for the final qualification position.
- Estimated Sri Lankan loss
- At least USD 20 million in potential revenue.
- New host
- India.
- Tournament dates
- February 14–28, 2027.
- Venues
- Mumbai and Vadodara.
- Format
- A round robin followed by a final between the top two teams.
- Governance issue
- Sri Lanka Cricket remains under a government-appointed Transformation Committee rather than an elected administration recognised by the ICC.
- Election expectation
- The Transformation Committee reportedly expects elections before the end of 2026 if parliamentary procedures face no significant delays.