The International Cricket Council (ICC) has officially announced that the first ever ICC Women’s Champions Trophy will be staged in India in 2027, following the removal of Sri Lanka as the original host nation. The decision comes after concerns over government interference in Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC), which led to the appointment of an interim administration by the Sri Lankan government. The ICC indicated that SLC has yet to complete the reforms outlined at its Annual Conference in July, prompting the governing body to explore alternative venues. After evaluating potential hosts such as Bangladesh and South Africa, India emerged as the chosen location for the tournament.
The competition will feature six of the world’s top women’s cricket teams: Australia, England, India, New Zealand, South Africa and the host nation Sri Lanka. These squads earned their places based on the ICC Women’s T20I Team Rankings as of the qualification cut‑off date of 6 July.
The tournament is scheduled to run from 14 February to 28 February 2027, spanning a two‑week period that promises intense, high‑quality cricket. Matches will be played across two premier venues in western India: the historic Cricket Club of India in Mumbai and the state‑of‑the‑art International Cricket Stadium in Vadodara. Both grounds are equipped with modern facilities and have a strong track record of hosting international fixtures, ensuring that players and fans alike will enjoy a world‑class experience. The format of the Champions Trophy will follow a round‑robin league system.
Each of the six teams will face every other side once, resulting in a total of fifteen league matches. Points will be awarded for wins, with tie‑breakers such as net run rate used to separate teams on equal points. At the conclusion of the league stage, the two highest‑ranked teams will advance to the final, which is slated for 28 February. This straightforward structure guarantees that every match carries significant weight, as each result can influence the final standings and the chance to compete for the trophy.
ICC Chairman Jay Shah expressed enthusiasm for the new tournament, describing it as a "significant new chapter for women’s cricket." He emphasized that the inaugural edition will bring together the best national sides in a competitive environment, providing a platform for teams to climb the rankings and showcase their talent on a global stage. Shah also highlighted the strategic importance of having a marquee women’s event each year, noting that it will help build momentum, deliver consistency, and establish a regular rhythm for the sport, benefiting players, supporters, and the broader cricket community worldwide. The shift of the tournament to India also aligns with the country’s ongoing commitment to growing women’s cricket.
India has invested heavily in grassroots development, professional leagues, and infrastructure upgrades, making it a fitting venue for a high‑profile event. The selection of Mumbai and Vadodara not only offers diverse playing conditions—ranging from the coastal humidity of Mumbai to the drier, slower pitches of Vadodara—but also allows fans in different regions to engage directly with the competition.
Beyond the on‑field action, the ICC plans to leverage the tournament to promote the women's game through a range of media initiatives. Live broadcasts will be available on major sports networks and streaming platforms, while highlights, player interviews, and behind‑the‑scenes content will be distributed across social media channels.
The organization also intends to collaborate with local partners to deliver community outreach programs, coaching clinics, and fan engagement activities in both host cities, further embedding the sport within the local culture. For cricket enthusiasts, the tournament will be accompanied by a suite of supplementary content.
Daily scorecards, match results, and video highlights will be accessible through the ICC’s official website and affiliated partners. Listeners can tune into the Sky Sports Cricket Podcast for in‑depth analysis, expert commentary, and player perspectives. The ICC encourages fans to enable notifications to stay updated on match schedules, breaking news, and exclusive offers. In summary, the inaugural ICC Women’s Champions Trophy promises to be a landmark event for the sport.
By relocating the tournament to India, the ICC ensures a stable, well‑supported environment that can showcase the very best of women’s cricket. Six elite teams will battle through a rigorous round‑robin league, culminating in a high‑stakes final that will crown the first champion of this new competition. With robust media coverage, fan‑focused initiatives, and the backing of a cricket‑loving nation, the 2027 Women’s Champions Trophy is set to elevate the profile of the women’s game and inspire the next generation of players worldwide.