India Confirmed as Host for Inaugural Tournament- IPL

The ICC has confirmed India as the host of the first-ever Women’s Champions Trophy. The tournament was initially scheduled to be played in Sri Lanka. The eight-day event will run from February 14 to 28, 2027. India will stage the tournament across two venues as the ICC prepares for a new addition to the women’s international calendar.

The matches will be played at the Cricket Club of India in Mumbai, also known as Brabourne Stadium, and the Vadodara International Cricket Stadium in Vadodara. Both venues will host games during the competition.

Cricbuzz had earlier reported that Sri Lanka was set to lose the tournament because of government interference. The hosting change was later confirmed by the ICC following an assessment of possible replacement venues.

India Chosen After ICC Assessment

The ICC said Bangladesh, South Africa and India were considered as possible hosts. The ICC Board officially approved India as the new host on September 1. Sri Lanka Cricket is currently being managed by a government-appointed Transformation Committee. The committee has been given responsibility for reforms, including changes to the organisation’s constitutional and governance structure.

ICC policy does not permit a politically appointed interim administration to run a member board. Sri Lanka had faced a similar setback in the past when it lost the hosting rights for the 2024 U19 World Cup.

That tournament was moved to South Africa after Sri Lanka lost its hosting rights. The ICC has said Sri Lanka Cricket “continues to make requisite reforms” based on the requirements outlined at the ICC Annual Conference in July.

Six Teams to Compete

The inaugural Women’s Champions Trophy will feature six teams. England, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, Sri Lanka and India will compete for the title. The tournament will use a round-robin format, giving every participating team the chance to face the other sides. The competition will conclude with the final on February 28, 2027.

ICC chairman Jay Shah said the tournament could play an important role in the continued growth of women’s cricket. “The ICC Women’s Champions Trophy 2027 marks an exciting new chapter for women’s cricket.

“As the inaugural edition of the tournament, it will bring together the best teams in the world in an intense, high-quality competition, while creating even greater incentive for teams to continue rising through the rankings and competing for a place on the global stage.

“With a marquee ICC women’s event now taking place every year, we have a significant opportunity to build greater momentum, provide more consistency and create a stronger rhythm for the women’s game, its players and its fans around the world.”

The tournament will add another major event to the women’s cricket calendar. India’s selection also gives the country another opportunity to host a global ICC women’s competition. With six top teams involved, the inaugural edition is expected to provide a competitive platform for players and teams seeking success on the international stage.

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