India replace Sri Lanka as hosts of inaugural Women's Champions Trophy

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.

"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.