The International Cricket Council (ICC) has officially announced that the first ever 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 were raised about government interference in Sri Lankan cricket administration, prompting the ICC to seek an alternative venue for the six‑team competition. Originally slated for February 14‑28, the tournament will now be played across two Indian venues – the historic Cricket Club of India in Mumbai and the International Cricket Stadium in Vadodara. These cities were selected after a brief window of consideration that also included Bangladesh and South Africa as possible hosts.
The ICC’s assessment concluded that India offered the most suitable infrastructure, fan base, and logistical support to ensure a successful launch of the new event. The background to Sri Lanka’s loss of hosting rights lies in the ongoing governance crisis within Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC). The Sri Lankan government intervened and installed an interim administration, citing concerns that the board was not adhering to the reforms outlined at the ICC’s Annual Conference in July.
The ICC reiterated that SLC must continue to implement the required changes before it can be considered for future ICC events. Consequently, the governing body turned its attention to other member nations that could guarantee a stable environment for the tournament.
ICC Chairman Jay Shah welcomed the development, describing the 2027 Women’s Champions Trophy as a landmark moment for the women’s game. "The ICC Women’s Champions Trophy 2027 marks an exciting new chapter for women's cricket," Shah said. "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." Shah also highlighted the broader strategic vision behind the event. By establishing a marquee women’s tournament on an annual basis, the ICC aims to generate sustained momentum, provide a more consistent calendar, and nurture a stronger rhythm for players, supporters, and stakeholders worldwide.
The regular exposure is expected to boost commercial interest, improve broadcasting deals, and inspire the next generation of female cricketers across all cricket‑playing nations. The competition will feature the six highest‑ranked sides according to the ICC Women’s T20I Team Rankings as of the July 6 qualification cut‑off.
Those teams are Australia, England, India, New Zealand, South Africa and Sri Lanka. Despite losing the right to host, Sri Lanka will still participate as one of the qualified nations, ensuring that the tournament retains its intended competitive balance.
All six teams will compete in a single round‑robin format, where each side plays every other side once. Points will be awarded for wins, with tie‑breakers such as net run rate used to separate teams on equal points. The two teams that finish atop the league table after the round‑robin stage will advance to the final, scheduled for February 28.
This structure mirrors the format used in previous ICC events like the Men’s Champions Trophy, providing a clear pathway to the championship while guaranteeing each team multiple high‑stakes matches. The choice of venues reflects India’s deep cricketing heritage and its capacity to host large‑scale international events. The Cricket Club of India (CCI) in Mumbai is renowned for its lush pitches and historic significance, having hosted numerous iconic matches over the decades.
Vadodara’s International Cricket Stadium, on the other hand, offers modern facilities, excellent floodlights, and a reputation for delivering vibrant fan experiences. Together, these stadiums will showcase the diversity of Indian cricket culture, from the bustling metropolitan atmosphere of Mumbai to the more relaxed yet passionate environment of Gujarat.
Beyond the on‑field action, the tournament is expected to feature a range of ancillary activities aimed at promoting women’s cricket. These may include community outreach programmes, coaching clinics for young girls, and fan engagement initiatives such as meet‑and‑greets with players. The ICC has indicated that the Women’s Champions Trophy will be broadcast across multiple platforms, ensuring global accessibility and maximizing viewership. In addition, digital content – including highlights, behind‑the‑scenes footage, and expert analysis – will be made available through the ICC’s official website and partner broadcasters.
Cricket fans can also look forward to a packed schedule of related media offerings. The latest cricket videos and highlights will be regularly updated, and daily scorecards and results will be accessible through the ICC’s digital channels. For those who enjoy in‑depth discussion, the Sky Sports Cricket Podcast will provide commentary and insights throughout the tournament.
The ICC encourages fans to enable notifications on their preferred devices to stay informed about match timings, results, and breaking news. In summary, the inaugural ICC Women’s Champions Trophy represents a significant step forward for the women's game, offering a high‑profile platform for the sport’s elite teams to compete. India’s selection as host underscores the nation’s readiness to deliver world‑class cricket events, while the inclusion of Sri Lanka among the participants maintains the tournament’s competitive integrity.
As the February dates approach, anticipation will build among players, officials, and supporters eager to witness a new era of women's cricket unfold on the sub‑continental stage.