Sri Lanka’s interim cricket board has pledged to implement foundational reforms to ensure the Women’s Champions Trophy remains in the country next year. This commitment comes amid speculation that the International Cricket Council (ICC) may consider relocating the event due to perceived government interference in cricket administration.
Eran Wickremaratna, chair of the interim committee appointed by the sports minister, emphasized the board’s dedication to reforming Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC). “We are very committed to really correcting from the very foundation. We are not backing out,” he stated without providing further details.
The six-team T20 tournament, scheduled to be held in February 2027, is likely to be moved out of Sri Lanka due to government interference in the administration of SLC.
Interim Committee official Prakash Schaffter said two and a half months back, the ICC had indicated that it was looking for an alternative venue other than Sri Lanka. “Although they have not categorically told us their decision due to governance issues with SLC, we are hoping we will be able to demonstrate to them the steps we have taken so that they may even be persuaded to play it here,” Schaffter told reporters on Monday. Former Sri Lanka captain Kumar Sangakkara, a member of the interim committee, said there is a need to work in close cooperation with the ICC. “We are passing the phase of formulating a new constitution and then have an elected body,” Sangakkara said.
