Author: Zahid Noor

DUBAI: The International Cricket Council (ICC) on Wednesday revealed the full schedule of the upcoming Women’s T20 World Cup 2026, which will be hosted by England.

A total of 33 matches will be held across seven iconic venues in England from 12 June to 5 July, with the hosts, England, facing Sri Lanka in the opening clash at Edgbaston on 12 June.

The newly expanded competition will see 12 teams descend on England and Wales in 2026.

Eight countries are already sure of their place, with the final four participants to be decided through an ICC Women’s T20 World Cup Qualifier next year.

Group 1 features multiple-time champions Australia, 2024 finalists South Africa, Asian heavyweights India and Pakistan, along with two teams from the Global Qualifier.

Group 2 includes hosts England, defending champions New Zealand, Sri Lanka, former winners West Indies and the other two teams from the Global Qualifier.

The top two teams from each group will advance to the semi-finals, set for 30 June and 2 July at The Oval, with the grand finale taking place at Lord’s on 5 July.

“World Cups are always special, but this one already feels different – it has the potential to be truly game-changing,” England captain Nat Sciver-Brunt said.

“It’s going to be a huge moment for our sport and a brilliant opportunity to inspire young people and captivate fans across the country. Playing on home soil, for the biggest prize, against the best players in the world, it’s going to be unmissable. I can’t wait to be a part of it.

“The tournament will not only give fans across the nation a chance to see world-famous cricketers in action but will also affect lasting change by inspiring countless women and girls across the country to get involved with cricket.”

Tournament Director Beth Barrett-Wild said the tournament would contribute to lasting change.

“The ICC Women’s T20 World Cup provides us with an unparalleled opportunity to transform a month of sporting excellence into a movement that will rewrite the narrative about women’s cricket,” she said.

“At iconic venues across the country, we’ll see incredible, world-class athletes battling it out in front of hundreds of thousands of fans, who with every ball bowled and run scored, will be contributing to lasting change. It’s our opportunity to give women’s cricket, and women’s sport, the stage it deserves.”

ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026 Schedule

Friday June 12: England v Sri Lanka, Edgbaston 18:30 BST

Saturday June 13: Qualifier v Qualifier, Old Trafford Cricket Ground 10:30 BST

Saturday June 13: Australia v South Africa, Old Trafford Cricket Ground 14:30 BST

Saturday June 13: West Indies v New Zealand, Hampshire Bowl 18:30 BST

Sunday June 14: Qualifier v Qualifier, Edgbaston 10:30 BST

Sunday June 14: India v Pakistan, Edgbaston 14:30 BST

Tuesday June 16: New Zealand v Sri Lanka, Hampshire Bowl 14:30 BST

Tuesday June 16: England v Qualifier, Hampshire Bowl 18:30 BST

Wednesday June 17: Australia v Qualifier, Headingley 10:30 BST

Wednesday June 17: India v Qualifier, Headingley 14:30 BST

Wednesday June 17: South Africa v Pakistan, Edgbaston 18:30 BST

Thursday June 18: West Indies v Qualifier, Headingley 18:30 BST

Friday June 19: New Zealand v Qualifier, Hampshire Bowl 18:30 BST

Saturday June 20: Australia v Qualifier, Hampshire Bowl 10:30 BST

Saturday June 20: Pakistan v Qualifier, Hampshire Bowl 14:30 BST

Saturday June 20: England v Qualifier, Headingley 18:30 BST

Sunday June 21: West Indies v Sri Lanka, Bristol County Ground 10:30 BST

Sunday June 21: South Africa v India, Old Trafford Cricket Ground 14:30 BST

Tuesday June 23: New Zealand v Qualifier, Bristol County Ground 10:30 BST

Tuesday June 23: Sri Lanka v Qualifier, Bristol County Ground 14:30 BST

Tuesday June 23: Australia v Pakistan, Headingley 18:30 BST

Wednesday June 24: England v West Indies, Lord’s Cricket Ground 18:30 BST

Thursday June 25: India v Qualifier, Old Trafford Cricket Ground 14:30 BST

Thursday June 25: South Africa v Qualifier, Bristol County Ground 18:30 BST

Friday June 26: Sri Lanka v Qualifier, Old Trafford Cricket Ground 18:30 BST

Saturday June 27: Pakistan v Qualifier, Bristol County Ground 10:30 BST

Saturday June 27: West Indies v Qualifier, Bristol County Ground 14:30 BST

Saturday June 27: England v New Zealand, The Oval 18:30 BST

Sunday June 28: South Africa v Qualifier, Lord’s Cricket Ground 10:30 BST

Sunday June 28: Australia v India, Lord’s Cricket Ground 14:30 BST

Tuesday June 30: TBC v TBC (Semi Final 1), The Oval 14:30 BST

Thursday July 2: TBC v TBC (Semi Final 2), The Oval 18:30 BST

Sunday July 5: TBC v TBC (The Final), Lord’s Cricket Ground 14:30 BST

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The England Women’s selectors have named a 14-member squad for England Women’s upcoming T20I series against India.

Among the notable inclusions was left-arm spinner Sophie Ecclestone, who will return to international cricket after a break to prioritise her well-being.

Ecclestone bolsters a group coming off the back of a 3-0 win against West Indies, the first series in charge for Edwards and new captain Nat Sciver-Brunt.

Following the squad announcement, head coach Charlotte Edwards stated that England are set to face one of the best sides in world cricket, India.

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“We’re really looking forward to taking on India. They’re one of the best sides in the world, and it’ll be a huge test for us,” she said.

“There was lots to be happy about in the West Indies series, but equally lots of things we want to keep improving on – we’re always looking at getting better,” she added.

Charlotte Edwards emphasised the importance of ICC T20 World Cup, marking the series against India as crucial ahead of the mega event.

“Five games against India in front of big crowds at great venues will serve us really well. This is a significant series for us with the countdown well and truly underway towards the home ICC Women’s T20 World Cup.”

England Women will take on India in five matches, starting on June 28 at Trent Bridge. A three-match ODI series will follow, with the squad to be confirmed at a later date.

Schedule of England vs India T20I Series

1st T20I, June 28, Trent Bridge

2nd T20I, July  1, Bristol

3rd T20I, July  4, Kia Oval

4th T20I, July  4, Old Trafford

5th T20I, July  12, Edgbaston

England Women T20I squad:

Nat Sciver-Brunt (capt), Em Arlott, Tammy Beaumont, Lauren Bell, Alice Capsey, Charlie Dean, Sophia Dunkley, Sophie Ecclestone, Lauren Filer, Amy Jones, Paige Scholfield, Linsey Smith, Danni Wyatt-Hodge, Issy Wong

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LONDON: The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) granted permission for star batter Phil Salt to withdraw from the T20I squad for the upcoming three-match series against the West Indies.

Salt, who is taking time away on paternity leave following the birth of his child earlier this week, will now spend time at home.

He was away from his family due to his participation in the Indian Premier League (IPL), where he played for the eventual champions, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB).

However, he briefly flew back to England to be with his partner, Abe Salt, for the birth of their first child.

He returned to India in time for the final match against Punjab Kings in Ahmedabad, which RCB won, clinching their first-ever IPL trophy after an 18-year wait.

It’s worth noting that Phil Salt was instrumental in RCB’s title victory, having scored 403 runs in 13 innings at a strike rate of 175.98.

Meanwhile, the ECB named Surrey batter Jamie Smith as Salt’s replacement in the squad for the T20I series against the West Indies, which will start on June 6 in Durham.

The second T20I is scheduled in Bristol on June 8, while the third match will be played on June 10 at Southampton

England squad for T20I series against West Indies

Harry Brook (c), Rehan Ahmed, Tom Banton, Jacob Bethell, Jos Buttler, Brydon Carse, Liam Dawson, Ben Duckett, Will Jacks, Saqib Mahmood, Matthew Potts, Adil Rashid, Jamie Smith, Luke Wood (Lancashire)

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LONDON: The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB), on Thursday, named a 14-member squad for the first Test against India, scheduled at Headingley from 20 June.

Bowling all-rounder Jamie Overton returns to the Test set-up for the first time since earning his sole cap against New Zealand at Headingley in June 2022.

The 31-year-old sustained a broken right little finger during the ODI against the West Indies on 29 May but continues to be assessed and reviewed daily by the England medical team.

Moreover, Brydon Carse, Jacob Bethell and Chris Woakes are also included in the squad, having last featured during the Test tour of New Zealand in December.

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Meanwhile, fast bowler Gus Atkinson was unavailable for selection due to a right hamstring injury sustained during the recent Test against Zimbabwe at Trent Bridge.

The five-match Test series between India and England is set to begin on 20 June at Headingley.

The teams will then move to Birmingham for the second Test, which will take place from 2 to 6 July. The third Test is scheduled to be held at the iconic Lord’s from 10 to 14 July.

Following that, the fourth Test will commence at Old Trafford on 23 July. The series will conclude with the fifth Test at The Oval, scheduled from 31 July to 4 August.

England squad for first Test against India: Ben Stokes (c), Shoaib Bashir, Jacob Bethell, Harry Brook, Brydon Carse, Sam Cook, Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Jamie Overton, Ollie Pope, Joe Root, Jamie Smith, Josh Tongue, Chris Woakes.

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England suffered a significant blow as fast bowler Gus Atkinson has been ruled out of the upcoming ODI series against the West Indies.

Gus Atkinson sustained the injury during England’s Test victory over Zimbabwe at Trent Bridge last week.

He will now undergo a period of rehabilitation under the supervision of the England medical team. Meanwhile, no replacement will be added to the ODI squad.

In a statement on Tuesday, the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) confirmed that the pacer would miss the upcoming ODI series.

“[Gus] Atkinson sustained the injury during England’s test victory over Zimbabwe at Trent Bridge last week… No replacement will be added to the ODI squad,” the ECB statement said.

Gus Atkinson injury has added to England’s woes as he was the most experienced member of the pace attack. Besides this, Mark Wood, Jofra Archer, Brydon Carse, and Chris Woakes are all sidelined due to injuries.

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England, under new captain Harry Brook, will play a three-match ODI series. The first ODI is scheduled for Thursday, 29 May at Edgbaston.

Following the conclusion of the ODI series, the Three Lions will play a three-match T20I series, set to begin on Friday, 6 June.

England Updated ODI Squad

Harry Brook (c), Tom Banton, Jacob Bethell, Jos Buttler, Brydon Carse, Ben Duckett, Tom Hartley, Will Jacks, Saqib Mahmood, Jamie Overton, Matthew Potts, Adil Rashid, Joe Root, Jamie Smith, Luke Wood.

England T20I Squad

Harry Brook (c), Rehan Ahmed, Tom Banton, Jacob Bethell, Jos Buttler, Brydon Carse, Liam Dawson, Ben Duckett, Will Jacks, Saqib Mahmood, Jamie Overton, Matthew Potts, Adil Rashid, Phil Salt, Luke Wood.

ODI series Schedule

1st ODI: England v West Indies, Edgbaston, 29 May 2025,
2nd ODI: England v West Indies, Cardiff 1 June 2025,
3rd ODI: England v West Indies, London 3 June 2025

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CHELMSFORD: England women secured a narrow 17-run victory over West Indies in the third T20I, completing a whitewash despite Hayley Matthews’ defiance here on Monday.

With this victory, England clinched the T20I series 3-0 under the new captain, Nat Sciver-Brunt.

Heather Knight was the team’s stand-out performer, making her highest T20I innings on home soil with a 47-ball 66.

The visiting team’s skipper Hayley Matthews kept the game alive and the 3,500-strong crowd entertained, but when she fell with 31 runs still required, the outcome became clear.

Captain Nat Sciver-Brunt lost her first toss as full-time England Women captain and on a wicket that offered some assistance to the bowlers, her side were indebted to her predecessor Knight for her role in getting up to 144-5.

Lauren Bell took a wicket with the first ball of the West Indies’ reply, and would finish her four overs going for just 11 runs. Linsey Smith, Em Arlott and Charlie Dean each took two wickets apiece.

Matthews wasn’t to end up on the winning side, but she did claim both Player of the Match and Player of the Series.

England and the West Indies will go head to head again in Derby on Friday in the first game of the ODI series. The final match will be played on 7 June at the Cooper Associates County Ground, Taunton

England vs West Indies T20I Series Result

1st Vitality IT20: 21 May – England Women won by eight wickets.
2nd Vitality IT20: 23 May – England Women won by nine wickets.
3rd Vitality IT20: 26 May – England Women won by 17 runs.

England vs West Indies ODI Series Schedule

1st Metro Bank ODI: 30 May – The County Ground, Derby
2nd Metro Bank ODI: 4 June – Uptonsteel County Ground, Leicester
3rd Metro Bank ODI: 7 June – Cooper Associates County Ground, Taunton

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HOVE: Skipper Nat Sciver-Brunt led from the front with an unbeaten half-century to lead England Women to a commanding nine-wicket victory over the West Indies in the second T20I at the 1st Central County Ground.

With this victory, England Women attained an unassailable 2-0 lead in their T20 series against the West Indies.

Opting to bowl first, England’s bowlers delivered a clinical performance, restricting the West Indies to just 81-9.

England’s newest debutant, Em Arlott, impressed with 3-14, including the crucial wicket of West Indies captain, Hayley Matthews.

Lauren Bell also took three wickets (3-28), while Charlie Dean (2-12) and Issy Wong (1-10) contributed with two and one wickets respectively.

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In response, England chased down the target in just 9.2 overs, powered by Nat Sciver-Brunt’s unbeaten 55 off 28 balls and Sophia Dunkley’s 24*.

Despite losing Danni Wyatt-Hodge for a golden duck early on, England maintained control throughout the chase.

Notably, the final IT20 is set to be played in Chelmsford on Monday, 26 May.

Schedule

1st T20I: 21 May – England Women won by eight wickets
2nd T20I: 23 May – England Women won by nine wickets.
3rd T20I: 26 May – The Cloud County Ground, Chelmsford

1st ODI: 30 May – The County Ground, Derby
2nd ODI: 4 June – Uptonsteel County Ground, Leicester
3rd ODI: 7 June – Cooper Associates County Ground, Taunton BST

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CANTERBURY: Sophia Dunkley smashed an unbeaten 87 to help England Women to defeat West Indies by eight wickets in the first T20I despite a fine century from Hayley Matthews.

This was England Women’s first victory under their new coach-captain combination of Charlotte Edwards and Nat Sciver-Brunt.

Matthews was awarded Player of the Match for her ton, brought up off the final ball of her team’s innings, taking them to 146-7. The West Indies captain’s innings contributed a staggering 68.49% of her team’s total.

But Dunkley was in no mood to let that be a game-winning effort, compiling a career-best 81 not out as England Women chased down the total for the loss of just two wickets.

Earlier, in the face of Matthews’ sparkling knock, England’s bowlers had all contributed.

All-rounder Em Arlott took her maiden international wicket on debut, with Hampshire spinner Linsey Smith probably the stand-out performer with a parsimonious 1-18 from her four overs.

Dunkley, who was ably supported by Heather Knight in a third-wicket partnership of 94, hit the winning runs to take England Women home and put them 1-0 up in the T20I series.

Schedule

1st T20I: 21 May – England Women won by eight wickets
2nd T20I: 23 May – The 1st Central County Ground, Hove
3rd T20I: 26 May – The Cloud County Ground, Chelmsford

1st ODI: 30 May – The County Ground, Derby
2nd ODI: 4 June – Uptonsteel County Ground, Leicester
3rd ODI: 7 June – Cooper Associates County Ground, Taunton BST

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LONDON: The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) on Wednesday confirmed that star pacer Jofra Archer has been ruled out of the ODI series against the West Indies due to a right thumb injury.

The upcoming series will be the first under the newly appointed white-ball captain Harry Brooks, featuring three ODIs and as many T20Is.

According to the details,  Jofra Archer will be reassessed by the England medical team over the next fortnight to determine when he may return to action.

It’s important to note that Archer was excluded from the T20I series against the West Indies because he has been chosen to play for the England Lions against India A in Northampton, starting June 6.

He has not participated in a first-class match in four years and last played in one of his 13 Test matches in India in February 2021.

ECB has been gradually reintroducing him to international competition through white-ball cricket after a challenging spell of injuries.

However, they are eager for him to be part of the pace battery they plan to take to Australia this winter, aiming to win the Ashes overseas for the first time since 2010/11.

Unfortunately, his recent injury has made him doubtful for the England Lions’ red-ball match against India A.

Meanwhile, Lancashire’s Luke Wood has been added to England’s ODI squad for the three-match series, which begins on 29 May at Edgbaston.

England ODI Squad:

Harry Brook (Captain), Luke Wood,  Gus Atkinson, Tom Banton,  Jacob Bethell, Jos Buttler, Brydon Carse, Ben Duckett, Tom Hartley, Will Jacks,  Saqib Mahmood, Jamie Overton, Matthew Potts, Adil Rashid, Joe Root, Jamie Smith

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England T20I Squad:

Harry Brook (Captain), Rehan Ahmed, Tom Banton, Jacob Bethell, Jos Buttler, Brydon Carse, Liam Dawson, Ben Duckett, Will Jacks, Saqib Mahmood, Jamie Overton, Matthew Potts, Adil Rashid, Phil Salt, Luke Wood

England vs West Indies Series Schedule

1st ODI – Thursday 29 May 2025, Edgbaston, Birmingham
2nd ODI – Sunday 1 June 2025, Sophia Gardens, Cardiff
3rd ODI – Tuesday 3 June 2025, Kia Oval, London

1st T20I – Friday 6th June 2025, Banks Home Riverside, Durham
2nd T20I – Sunday 8th June 2025, Seat Unique Stadium, Bristol
3rd T20I – Tuesday 10th June, Utilita Bowl, Southampton

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The England Women’s selection panel has named the squads for the upcoming white-ball series against the West Indies, set to begin on 21 May.

England will play three T20Is and three ODIs under new captain Nat Sciver-Brunt.

The T20I series, the first under Sciver-Brunt and head coach Charlotte Edwards’ leadership, gets underway with the opening match on Wednesday, 21 May in Canterbury.

Warwickshire duo Emily Arlott and Issy Wong are selected. Arlott, who is yet to make her international debut, is named in both groups.

She scored a century batting at number seven against Essex and has taken 13 wickets so far in the Metro Bank One Day Cup, while fast bowler Wong impressed for England Women A in their recent tour of Australia and in her county’s opening matches.

Alice Davidson-Richards and Emma Lamb have made a comeback in the ODI side.

Davidson-Richards last represented her country against Sri Lanka in an ODI in September 2023, while Lamb is the leading run-scorer in the county, also taking 12 wickets in her opening six matches for Lancashire.

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The Blazing opening batter Tammy Beaumont and spinner Linsey Smith – the leading wicket-taker in the Metro Bank One Day Cup – are selected in both squads.

Sophie Ecclestone has been unable to play domestic cricket due to a knee injury, and her return to the Lancashire side has come too late for her to be deemed ready for selection for this series.

Meanwhile, the England Cricket Board (ECB) is delighted to confirm Lydia Greenway as England Women’s new National Selector.

The former England batter will work alongside Head Coach Edwards, Managing Director Clare Connor and Performance Director Jonathan Finch as part of the four-strong selection panel. Greenway has advised on the selection of this squad.

It is pertinent to mention that all-rounders Freya Kemp and Danielle Gibson are unavailable due to injury.

England Squad For T20Is:

Nat Sciver-Brunt (captain), Emily Arlott, Tammy Beaumont, Lauren Bell , Alice Capsey, Charlie Dean, Sophia Dunkley, Sarah Glenn, Amy Jones, Heather Knight, Paige Scholfield, Linsey Smith, Issy Wong, Danni Wyatt-Hodge

England Squad For ODIs :

Nat Sciver-Brunt (captain), Alice Davidson-Richards, Emily Arlott, Tammy Beaumont, Lauren Bell, Kate Cross, Charlie Dean, Sophia Dunkley, Mahika Gaur , Sarah Glenn, Amy Jones, Heather Knight, Emma Lamb, Linsey Smith

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