Pakistan Cricket Team To Come To India After Champions Trophy Shift? All You Need To Know

Will Pakistan travel to India for Champions Trophy? [Source: AFP]

Sri Lanka were stripped of the hosting rights for the inaugural ICC Women's Champions Trophy set to be played in February 2027. This is because of the government’s involvement in Sri Lanka Cricket’s administration.

Previously, the Sri Lankan board was also suspended by the ICC in 2023 for similar reasons. Despite being advised to conduct elections, they have failed to comply with the global governing body’s instructions.

Interestingly, this now means that India is among the contenders to host the marquee event. But this now raises questions over Pakistan’s travel to India amid the geopolitical tensions.

Here’s all you need to know about the situation.

India in contention to host Champions Trophy 2027

Sri Lanka Cricket being removed as tournament hosts has opened up doors for all the major cricketing nations to host the ICC Women’s Champions Trophy 2027 from February 14 to 28.

The ICC has looked at the UAE as one of its go-to venues for such events, especially when major cricket powerhouses are unable to host matches for various reasons. However, as per reports, due to some broadcaster pressure, India is being considered to host the competition.

The tournament broadcasters, i.e., Star Sports, want the ICC to host the event in a similar time zone to Sri Lanka. Going by this, India, Pakistan, Bangladesh and the UAE are the only venues left.

Furthermore, India’s stance of not travelling to Pakistan and, momentarily, Bangladesh has been firm and is unlikely to budge, like the Men’s Champions Trophy in 2025.

Also Read: Team India Breaks Silence On 'No Handshake' Policy With Pakistan At Asia Cup 2026

Will Pakistan travel to India for the Champions Trophy?

As of August 31, 2026, the ICC is yet to announce the new hosts for the tournament. All things considered, if India are the hosts, Pakistan will be automatically ruled out of the tournament.

The Champions Trophy 2026 is set to be a six-team tournament, where the top-5 ranked Women’s teams will automatically qualify alongside the hosts. With Pakistan ranked 8th, their only chance to participate is to host the tournament. Otherwise, any discussion over their travel to India is automatically ruled out.

If India (a top-5 ranked team) are the new hosts, the sixth-placed team will earn a spot in the tournament. Currently, West Indies are placed sixth, which means the original hosts, Sri Lanka, are also most likely out of the tournament.

Which Indian venues can host the Champions Trophy 2027?

If all the reports are true, India will host the Women’s Champions Trophy during the originally proposed window of February 14 to 28. Interestingly, this is the same time when India will host Australia for the five-match Border-Gavaskar Trophy.

This rules out Ranchi and Ahmedabad from potentially hosting any matches. Additionally, Guwahati will host a Test from February 11 to 15, making it an interesting situation.

Among the major Indian venues available during the tournament will be Wankhede, DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai, Chennai, Bengaluru, Delhi, Hyderabad and Nagpur.

The Indian domestic season will also be played during the same time, so the tournament is likely to be played at limited venues, like last year’s Women’s ODI World Cup.

Also Read: Nasser Hussain Asks England Players Not To Take Pakistan Seriously