The ICC Women's Champions Trophy has been relocated from Sri Lanka to India due to government interference in Sri Lanka Cricket, with six teams set to compete in a round-robin format from February 14 to 28 next year at venues in Mumbai and Vadodara.
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The ICC Women's Champions Trophy was originally scheduled to be held in Sri Lanka but was moved due to concerns over government interference in Sri Lanka Cricket's administration, prompting the ICC to strip Sri Lanka of hosting rights.
Synopsis
In an unexpected twist, the ICC Women's Champions Trophy will now unfold in India, as Sri Lanka was forced to withdraw as the host due to governmental interference. The tournament promises thrilling competition among six teams, all vying for glory in a round-robin league format at the beautiful stadiums in Mumbai and Vadodara.
The inaugural ICC Women’s Champions Trophy, originally scheduled to be held in Sri Lanka, will now take place in India from February 14 to 28 next year, the International Cricket Council (ICC) said on Wednesday.
The decision to move the tournament comes after the ICC stripped Sri Lanka of hosting rights over concerns about government interference in the administration of Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC).
SLC currently has an interim committee in place as it works on reforms to its governance framework.
Tournament moves to India after Sri Lanka reforms
Announcing the change, the ICC said: "The first-ever edition of the ICC Women's Champions Trophy will take place from February 14 to 28 in India next year."
The global cricket body said the tournament had originally been planned for Sri Lanka but was moved as the country's cricket board continues to implement reforms.
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"The event was originally scheduled to take place in Sri Lanka, but has now been moved to India as Sri Lanka Cricket continues to make the requisite reforms outlined at the ICC's Annual Conference in July."
The decision follows the ICC's action against Sri Lanka Cricket amid concerns over government involvement in the board's affairs.
Six teams to compete in round-robin format
Six teams will compete in the first edition of the Women's Champions Trophy: reigning T20 World Cup champions Australia, England, India, New Zealand, South Africa and Sri Lanka.
The teams will play each other in a round-robin league, with the top two sides qualifying for the final on February 28.
Mumbai and Vadodara to host matches
The tournament will be staged across two venues in India.
Matches will be played at the Cricket Club of India in Mumbai and the International Cricket Stadium in Vadodara.
The inaugural Women's Champions Trophy will therefore be held in India as Sri Lanka continues its governance reforms under the framework outlined by the ICC.
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