The inaugural ICC Women’s Champions Trophy has been shifted out of Sri Lanka with India reportedly emerging as the leading contender to host the tournament next year. The International Cricket Council has taken away the hosting rights over government involvement in the administration of Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC).
According to a report by India Today, the ICC is expected to finalise the replacement venue soon with India ahead in the race to stage the six-team competition in February 2027.
The change also creates uncertainty over Sri Lanka’s participation in the tournament.
“Yes, it has been moved out of Sri Lanka. It will be played at another venue, but as of now, I am not sure where it will be played,” Prakash Shaffter, Secretary of the SLC Transformation
Committee, was quoted as saying by The Sunday Times.
The ICC is likely to discuss and decide on the new host venue at its upcoming board meeting.
SLC is currently being overseen by a government-appointed Transformation Committee. The body was established to supervise reforms within the board, including proposed changes to its constitution and governance structure.
However, the ICC has not recognised the politically appointed interim administration and as a result, representatives of the board have also been prevented from attending thr global body’s Board meetings since the Transformation Committee assumed control.
“The ICC does not recognise politically appointed interim administrations and has refused to allow SLC representatives to attend ICC Board meetings since the Transformation Committee took over,” the report said.
The governing body had also addressed the situation in July.
“The ICC Board received an update on Sri Lanka Cricket and noted progress towards a revised Constitution. It reiterated the need for elections to be held as soon as possible and agreed that Sri Lanka Cricket would continue to be unable to be represented at ICC Board meetings for the time being,” ICC had said in a statement.
The Transformation Committee is understood to have prepared a draft constitution and submitted it to Sri Lanka’s sports minister. However, the proposed reforms still need to complete the necessary legal procedures before they can be placed before Parliament.
“That process, however, is unlikely to be completed quickly, leaving the question of when SLC will return to an elected administration recognised by the ICC,” it said.
A change in host could have a direct impact on Sri Lanka Women’s participation. The tournament will comprise the top five ranked teams alongside the host nation.
Sri Lanka are currently ranked sixth.
