Sri Lanka has lost the right to host the inaugural ICC Women’s Champions Trophy in 2027, with the tournament set to be moved to another country amid an ongoing governance dispute between Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) and the International Cricket Council (ICC).
The six-team tournament is scheduled to be played from February 14 to 28, 2027. However, the ICC has yet to announce the replacement host or confirm where the competition will be held.
Sri Lanka Women’s Champions Trophy hosting rights withdrawn
Prakash Shaffter, secretary of the SLC Transformation Committee, confirmed that the tournament would no longer be held in Sri Lanka.
“Yes, it has been moved out of Sri Lanka,” Shaffter told the Sunday Times. He added that it would be played at another venue, although he was not aware of the replacement at this stage.
The decision comes as Sri Lanka Cricket continues
The decision comes as Sri Lanka Cricket continues to face scrutiny over its administration. The board is currently being overseen by a government-appointed Transformation Committee, a development that has raised concerns at the ICC over government involvement in cricket administration.
The ICC’s governance framework requires its member boards to function independently and without government interference.
ICC wants elected cricket board in Sri Lanka
The Transformation Committee has been tasked with implementing reforms to SLC’s structure and constitution. However, the ICC has continued to call for elections and the restoration of an elected cricket administration.
Representatives of SLC have also been barred from participating in ICC Board meetings since the committee took control. During its July meetings, the ICC reiterated the need for elections to be held as soon as possible.
The latest development adds to a turbulent period
The latest development adds to a turbulent period for Sri Lankan cricket. In 2023, the ICC suspended Sri Lanka Cricket over concerns about government interference. Sri Lanka subsequently lost the hosting rights for the 2024 ICC Men’s Under-19 World Cup, which was eventually moved to South Africa.
What happens to Sri Lanka’s place in the tournament?
The decision to move the Champions Trophy out of Sri Lanka could also create uncertainty over the country’s participation.
The inaugural Women’s Champions Trophy is expected to feature six teams, with qualification originally linked to the rankings and the host’s automatic place. Sri Lanka currently sit sixth in the rankings.
If the tournament is awarded to another country, questions could arise over whether Sri Lanka will retain its place in the competition. The ICC has not yet announced any revised qualification rules following the change of host.
For Sri Lanka, losing another ICC event
For Sri Lanka, losing another ICC event is also a significant financial and reputational setback. Major international tournaments bring teams, officials, broadcasters and spectators into the country, benefiting cricket administration as well as the wider tourism, hospitality and travel sectors.
The ICC is expected to take a final call on the replacement host at its next Board meeting. Until then, both the venue and Sri Lanka’s status in the six-team tournament remain uncertain.
Source: pragativadi.com
