The International Cricket Council (ICC) has officially announced that the first edition of the ICC Women’s Champions Trophy will be staged in India next year, following the removal of Sri Lanka as the original host nation. The decision comes after concerns about governmental interference in Sri Lankan cricket administration prompted the ICC to seek an alternative venue for the six‑team competition.
Originally slated for February 14‑28, the tournament will now be contested in two Indian venues – the historic Cricket Club of India in Mumbai and the International Cricket Stadium in Vadodara. These cities were chosen after the ICC evaluated several possibilities, including Bangladesh and South Africa, before settling on India as the most suitable host.
The backdrop to this change lies in the ongoing governance issues within Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC). The Sri Lankan government intervened and installed an interim administration to oversee the board’s operations, a move the ICC deemed as breaching its statutes on non‑governmental interference. Consequently, the ICC warned that SLC must implement the reforms outlined at the ICC’s Annual Conference in July. While SLC works to meet those requirements, the ICC opted to relocate the tournament to ensure it proceeds without administrative uncertainty.
ICC Chairman Jay Shah highlighted the significance of the event, stating, “The ICC Women’s Champions Trophy 2027 marks an exciting new chapter for women’s cricket. As the inaugural edition of the tournament, it will bring together the best teams in the world in an intense, high‑quality competition, while creating even greater incentive for teams to continue rising through the rankings and competing for a place on the global stage.” He added that the addition of a marquee women’s tournament each year will help build momentum, provide consistency, and establish a stronger rhythm for the sport, benefiting players and fans worldwide.
The competition will feature the top six nations as determined by the ICC Women’s T20I Team Rankings on the qualification cut‑off date of July 6. Those teams are Australia, England, India, New Zealand, South Africa, and Sri Lanka.
Despite Sri Lanka’s loss of hosting rights, the team retains its place in the tournament based on its ranking. Each side will play a round‑robin league, facing every other opponent once. The two teams that finish highest on the points table after the league stage will advance to the final, scheduled for February 28. Hosting the event in India offers several advantages.
Both Mumbai and Vadodara boast world‑class facilities, enthusiastic fan bases, and a proven track record of delivering successful international cricket fixtures. The Cricket Club of India, with its iconic Pavilion and lush outfield, provides a classic backdrop for high‑stakes matches, while Vadodara’s International Cricket Stadium offers modern amenities and a reputation for producing high‑scoring games.
Together, these venues will showcase the best of Indian cricket infrastructure and hospitality. Beyond the on‑field action, the tournament is expected to generate significant commercial and promotional opportunities. Sponsors, broadcasters, and digital platforms will have a prime showcase for women’s cricket, helping to drive viewership and engagement across the globe. The ICC has also pledged to enhance the fan experience through interactive content, live streaming options, and dedicated podcasts such as the Sky Sports Cricket Podcast, which will provide analysis and behind‑the‑scenes insights throughout the competition.
Fans are encouraged to stay updated with the latest scores, match reports, and video highlights, which will be available across multiple platforms. The ICC recommends using the Chrome browser for optimal video playback, ensuring that viewers can enjoy high‑definition coverage of every match. In summary, the inaugural ICC Women’s Champions Trophy will now be a showcase of elite women’s cricket in India, featuring six of the world’s strongest teams competing over two weeks in February. The shift from Sri Lanka to India underscores the ICC’s commitment to maintaining the integrity of its tournaments while also promoting the growth and visibility of women’s cricket on an annual basis.
The tournament promises to deliver thrilling competition, foster greater global interest, and lay the foundation for a lasting legacy in the women’s game.