ICC pulls 2027 Women's Champions Trophy from Sri Lanka over governance concerns

The International Cricket Council announced that Sri Lanka will no longer host the 2027 Women’s Champions Trophy, the first edition of the event, citing concerns over political interference in the administration of Sri Lanka Cricket. The national board is currently overseen by a government-appointed Transformation Committee, a structure the ICC does not accept for representation at its board meetings. As a result, the six-team tournament, which was to include the host nation, will be shifted to an undisclosed location pending discussion at the ICC’s next board session.

The decision could strip Sri Lanka’s women’s side of its guaranteed spot, since the team is ranked sixth and the competition was to feature the top five teams plus the host. Officials warned that the loss of hosting duties may also cause a financial hit for the cricket board. The ICC has previously acted similarly in 2023 when Sri Lanka lost the 2024 U-19 World Cup hosting rights after its elected administration was replaced.