Sri Lanka will incur an estimated loss of at least USD 20 million (approximately Rs 188 Crore) following the International Cricket Council’s (ICC) decision to revoke the country’s hosting rights for the inaugural Women’s Champions Trophy. The ICC Board confirmed on Tuesday that India will now host the tournament, which is scheduled to take place from February 14 to 28, 2027, with matches set in Mumbai and Vadodara.
This decision marks the end of Sri Lanka’s aspirations to stage the event, which was anticipated to boost the local economy through increased tourism and commercial activities. The tournament was expected to provide significant global exposure, making this a substantial economic setback for the nation.
Sri Lanka are reportedly set to suffer an estimated loss of at least USD 20 million (around Rs 188 Crore) after the International Cricket Council formally stripped the country of hosting rights for the inaugural Women’s Champions Trophy.
In 2023, the ICC suspended Sri Lanka Cricket amid governance concerns and subsequently moved the 2024 Men’s Under-19 World Cup from Sri Lanka to South Africa. The Women’s Champions Trophy decision means Sri Lanka have now lost another major ICC event within three years for reasons linked to the same underlying issue.
A report by Sri Lanka Daily Mirror said sources indicated that the ICC had warned Sri Lanka Cricket months ago that its hosting rights were under threat unless the issues surrounding political interference were resolved and long-pending board elections were conducted. The report said members of the Transformation Committee expect the electoral process to be completed before the end of 2026 “if parliamentary procedures proceed without significant delays.” The focus will now turn to the proposed constitutional reforms and the timetable for fresh SLC elections.
