Sri Lanka has lost the hosting rights for the inaugural Women’s Champions Trophy, scheduled from February 14 to 28, 2027, after the International Cricket Council (ICC) determined that the tournament could not proceed in the country while Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) remains under a government-appointed interim administration. The six-team event is expected to be relocated, with its replacement venue likely to be finalised at the next ICC Board meeting.
The decision was confirmed by Prakash Shaffter, Secretary of the SLC Transformation Committee, which is currently overseeing the country’s cricket administration. “Yes, it has been moved out of Sri Lanka,” Shaffter said. “It will be played at another venue, but as of now, I am not sure where it will be played.”
The development arrives during the ongoing sixth edition of the ACC Women’s T20 Asia Cup 2026, being hosted by the United Arab Emirates for the first time from August 28 to September 13. Sri Lanka, led by Chamari Athapaththu, began their campaign in commanding fashion, defeating hosts UAE, captained by Esha Oza, by nine wickets at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on August 29.
Chamari Athapaththu’s side will next turn its attention to the fourth edition of the Asian Games, scheduled to take place in Japan from September 17 to 22. However, beyond the immediate international calendar, Sri Lanka’s women’s team now faces uncertainty over its participation in the Champions Trophy itself.
The ICC’s position is rooted in its long-standing requirement that member boards remain independent of government interference and operate through elected administrations. Sri Lanka Cricket has been run by the Transformation Committee since the government intervened to oversee reforms, including changes to the board’s constitution and governance structure.
The ICC does not recognise politically appointed interim administrations and has consequently prevented SLC representatives from attending ICC Board meetings. In July, the ICC said it had noted progress towards a revised constitution but reiterated that elections should be held “as soon as possible”. It also confirmed that SLC would continue to be unable to participate in ICC Board meetings for the time being.
The Transformation Committee has completed a draft constitution and submitted it to the Sports Minister. The proposals must now pass through the required legal process before being presented to Parliament, an uncertain timeline that could delay Sri Lanka’s return to an elected administration accepted by the ICC.
For SLC and the country, losing the Champions Trophy represents a significant financial setback. The tournament would have brought direct revenue through hosting rights while attracting teams, officials, broadcasters and supporters. Hotels, restaurants, transport operators and the wider tourism sector were also expected to benefit from increased visitor spending and foreign-exchange earnings.
Sri Lanka experienced a similar blow in 2023, when the ICC removed the country as host of the 2024 Under-19 World Cup after the then Sports Minister dissolved the elected SLC administration and appointed an interim committee. The tournament was subsequently shifted to South Africa.
The consequences could extend beyond hosting. The inaugural Women’s Champions Trophy is expected to feature the top five teams in the rankings alongside the host nation. Sri Lanka are currently ranked sixth, meaning they could lose their place if the tournament is awarded to a country outside the top six. The island nation could therefore miss not only the opportunity to stage the historic first edition, but also the chance for Athapaththu and her team to compete in it.
Although SLC has confirmed that the event has been moved, the ICC has yet to issue an official public announcement outlining the decision or its reasons.
(Quotes sourced from Sunday Times)
Loves all things female cricket