Sri Lanka Set to Lose Hosting Rights for Inaugural Women’s Champions Trophy

The International Cricket Council (ICC) is reportedly preparing to shift the hosting rights for the inaugural Women’s Champions Trophy, which is scheduled to feature six teams next year, away from Sri Lanka. The development is believed to be linked to ongoing governance concerns surrounding Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC). During 2023-24, Sri Lanka faced political instability, while allegations of corruption and administrative irregularities within the cricket board led the ICC to suspend SLC for a brief period. Since then, the board has reportedly not had a fully elected governing body and its affairs have been managed by a government-appointed Transformation Committee.

The ICC has maintained that government interference in the functioning of a national cricket board is unacceptable and had called for elections to restore a properly constituted administration. However, the Sri Lankan Sports Ministry reportedly did not act on the recommendation, increasing the possibility of the country losing the tournament. Transformation Committee Secretary Prakash Shafter confirmed that the event is likely to be moved from Sri Lanka, although he said the alternative venue cannot be disclosed at this stage. The ICC is expected to decide on and announce the new host in due course.