"BCCI Is Always Ready": Secretary Devajit Saikia's Big Statement After ICC Moves Women's Champions Trophy To India

By Suresh

**BCCI "Always Ready": Women's Champions Trophy Head to India From Sri Lanka** Namaste, cricket family. Let me share a rhythmically satisfying development in the world of women's cricket. The BCCI has confirmed it is fully prepared to host the inaugural ICC Women's Champions Trophy even at short notice. Secretary Devajit Saikia made this statement Thursday after a performance review meeting at BCCI HQ in Mumbai. The tournament now moves from Sri Lanka to India, running February 14–28 next year. **The Six-Team Showdown** The tournament features Australia, England, India, New Zealand, South Africa, and Sri Lanka. Format is a single round-robin before the final on February 28. Two venues will stage the action: the CCI Brabourne Stadium in Mumbai and the Vadodara International Cricket Stadium. **Why the Move Happened** The ICC relocated the event after stripping SLC of its hosting rights. Government interference in the national board's governance led to the appointment of a government-backed Transformation Committee. India was chosen ahead of competing bids from Bangladesh and South Africa. Notably, Sri Lanka keeps its tournament spot, having qualified automatically based on their global T20I ranking at the July 6 cutoff. **Saikia's Message** "You should appreciate the BCCI that we are going to host the Women's Champions Trophy in February next year," said Saikia, extending thanks to the ICC and Jay Shah for trusting India to stage the event at such short notice. He noted the BCCI offered four venues, two of which were selected. "At the 11th hour, Sri Lanka could not host this tournament. We are going to host it in a very good manner." **Venue Notes** Brabourne last saw international cricket in December 2022 during India women's T20I series vs Australia, though it hosted WPL matches in 2023 and 2025. Vadodara has become a prominent women's cricket venue after staging WPL fixtures in 2025 and 2026, plus the India-Women's ODI series vs West Indies in 2024. A fine opportunity for the women's game to shine on Indian soil. Jai Hind. \*Sources: IANS Source: NDTV Sports