ICC removes Sri Lanka as 2027 Women's Champions Trophy host
ICC strips Sri Lanka of hosting rights for the 2027 Women's Champions Trophy over governance concerns.
The ICC has removed Sri Lanka Cricket from hosting duties for the inaugural Women's Champions Trophy scheduled for 2027. The decision follows persistent concerns over government interference in cricket administration and governance issues within the national board.
Sri Lanka began its Women's Asia Cup title defence with a nine-wicket victory over the UAE on Saturday. Defending champions chased down a modest target of 80 runs with 73 balls remaining after bowling out the UAE for 79. Vimukthi and Ayodhya each claimed three wickets to restrict the hosts.
The governing body cited ongoing political interference in cricket administration as the primary reason for the removal. The ICC must now identify an alternative venue for the tournament.
CricHubb Take
The loss of hosting rights creates an immediate scheduling vacuum that the ICC must fill before the 2027 calendar is locked. Alternative venues will face compressed preparation timelines and increased costs from late-stage venue changes.