India front-runner to host Women's Champions Trophy 2027 after ICC removes Sri Lanka

The very first edition of the ICC Women’s Champions Trophy, which is scheduled to take place in February 2027, will now be moved out of Sri Lanka, with Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) set to be stripped of the hosting rights for the tournament. It has now been reported that India could replace Sri Lanka as the new host of the competition next year. 

The reports have also claimed that the six-team tournament will be played at a different venue in the same window. Due to the broadcasters’ agreement and various other regions, the timing of the games can’t be changed, as the new hosts will be decided at the next ICC board meeting in October.

ICC set to confirm India as new hosts after Sri Lanka stripped over government interference

Sri Lanka has lost the rights to arrange the competition, which was going to become their second ICC event in a year after they also co-hosted the 2026 men’s T20 World Cup, because of the government interference in their board. The SLC has an interim administration, called the Transformation Committee, which was appointed by the government of the country and will see major board changes.

The ICC never recognizes the politically appointed administrations, while the SLC representatives have not been at the ICC meeting in recent times. The change in the venue made a massive impact on Sri Lanka, which only qualified on the back of their hosting rights.

See Also: "We don't focus on it" — Amol Muzumdar finally breaks silence on India-Pakistan handshake debate ahead of Asia Cup clash

The competition is limited to the top six teams on the ICC rankings, and as per the current rankings, Sri Lanka are in seventh place. Australia, England, India, New Zealand and South Africa are the top five, while West Indies, who missed out on the edition being in Sri Lanka, could get the tickets.

This will be the second time in the three years that Sri Lanka have not lost out on hosting an ICC event. In 2023, the 2024 men’s U19 World Cup was taken away from them for the same reasons and moved to South Africa.

How India's hosting of the 2025 Women's ODI World Cup sets the stage for Champions Trophy 2027

India’s experience hosting the ODI World Cup 2025 was built on the operational framework, venue readiness, and the fan base for the smooth takeover as the host for the very first season of the Women’s Champions Trophy in February 2027 after the Sri Lanka side lost the hosting.

See Also: Asian Games 2026 cricket schedule out — Check India's match dates and timings

The infrastructure of the country is superb, as India has some superb stadium facilities, practice pitches, and media centres. The local organizers have gained direct experience with team travel, security protocols, and the broadcast setups.

The setup means that India can easily manage the short turnaround for the six-team tournament, which is anticipated to be hosted between February 14 and 28 in 2027.