Sri Lanka Loses Women’s Champions Trophy Hosting Rights

The International Cricket Council (ICC) removed Sri Lanka Cricket’s hosting rights for the inaugural Women’s Champions Trophy on 30 August 2026. The six-team tournament is scheduled from 14 to 28 February 2027, and the replacement venue has not been finalised.

Women’s Champions Trophy

The Women’s Champions Trophy is an ICC women’s cricket tournament with six participating teams. The inaugural edition is part of the ICC’s women’s calendar for 2027 and is linked to host qualification rules for the tournament.

Sri Lanka Cricket and Governance

Sri Lanka Cricket is the national governing body for cricket in Sri Lanka. At the time of the decision, it was being run by a government-appointed Transformation Committee rather than an elected board. Prakash Shaffter, Secretary of the SLC Transformation Committee, confirmed the relocation of the tournament.

ICC Hosting and Board Process

The ICC Board is the governing body that takes decisions on tournament hosting and member participation. India was named as the leading frontrunner to host the event, and the final host selection is expected at the ICC Board meeting in October 2026. ICC representatives from Sri Lanka remain barred from attending Board meetings until democratic board elections are held.

Important Facts for Exams

• The ICC is the global governing body for cricket and was founded in 1909.
• The Women’s Champions Trophy is a six-team ICC tournament.
• Sri Lanka Cricket is the national cricket board of Sri Lanka.
• The ICC Board is the apex decision-making body for major ICC matters, including hosting rights.

Previous Tournament Relocation

This is the second major tournament Sri Lanka has lost because of political interference in cricket administration. The 2024 Men’s Under-19 World Cup was earlier relocated from Sri Lanka to South Africa.