Tag: Women’s T20 World Cup 2026

DUBAI: The International Cricket Council (ICC) has announced a record-breaking prize money pool for the upcoming ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026, with the tournament set to feature expanded participation and increased financial rewards for teams.

The total prize fund for the 2026 edition has been set at US$8,764,615, marking a 10 per cent increase from the 2024 tournament and highlighting the continued commercial growth of women’s cricket globally.

The competition will also expand to 12 teams for the first time in its history.

Under the revised structure, the champions will receive US$2,340,000, while the runners-up will earn US$1,170,000.

Both losing semi-finalists will take home US$675,000 each, and every group-stage win will be rewarded with US$31,154. All participating teams are guaranteed a minimum of US$247,500.

ICC Chief Executive Sanjog Gupta welcomed the announcement, calling it a significant milestone in the continued rise of the women’s game.

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“The growth of women’s cricket continues to accelerate, and the expansion of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup to 12 teams, combined with a record prize pool, underlines our commitment to building a stronger, more competitive global game,” the CEO said.

“The continued rise of women’s cricket through increased investment and opportunity reflects the growing influence and impact of female athletes on the global stage.”

He further said the expanded format and increased financial incentives reflect the ICC’s long-term commitment to building a more competitive and globally inclusive cricket ecosystem, while also recognising the growing impact of female athletes on the world stage.

Alongside the prize money announcement, the ICC also launched the official trophy tour, which began in London.

The trophy will be showcased at the centre of the square at Lord’s Cricket Ground, where a visual projection of its silhouette will be displayed on the iconic pavilion.

The tour will then travel across qualified European nations, including the Netherlands, Ireland, and Scotland, before moving through host cities across England in the lead-up to the tournament’s opening on June 12.

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DUBAI: The marquee clash between arch-rivals Pakistan and India has been locked in for June 14 after the International Cricket Council (ICC) revealed the complete schedule for the Women’s T20 World Cup 2026, set to be staged in England from June 12 to July 5.

The 10th edition of the tournament will feature 12 teams and 33 matches spread across seven venues, culminating in the final at the iconic Lord’s Cricket Ground on July 5.

Hosts England will kick off proceedings against Sri Lanka on June 12 at Edgbaston, which will also stage the high-voltage India-Pakistan encounter two days later.

Pakistan have been drawn in a challenging Group A alongside defending champions Australia, India, South Africa, Bangladesh and tournament debutants the Netherlands.

The Dutch side qualified through the global qualifier in Nepal and will begin their campaign against Bangladesh, who went unbeaten in that event.

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Group B comprises England, New Zealand, Sri Lanka, West Indies, Ireland and Scotland.

Ireland and Scotland were among the four teams, along with Bangladesh and the Netherlands, to secure their spots via the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup Qualifier.

The top two teams from each group will advance to the semi-finals, scheduled for June 30 and July 2 at The Oval. The grand finale will then be played at Lord’s, adding further prestige to the tournament climax.

Pakistan women’s team will open their campaign against India on June 14 at Edgbaston in what promises to be one of the most anticipated matches of the group stage.

They will then face South Africa (June 17), Bangladesh (June 20), Australia (June 23) and the Netherlands (June 27).

Women’s T20 World Cup 2026 Schedule

June 12: England v Sri Lanka, Edgbaston

June 13: Scotland v Ireland, Old Trafford Cricket Ground

June 13: Australia v South Africa, Old Trafford Cricket Ground

June 13: West Indies v New Zealand, Hampshire Bowl

June 14: Bangladesh v Netherlands, Edgbaston

June 14: India v Pakistan, Edgbaston

June 16: New Zealand v Sri Lanka, Hampshire Bowl

June 16: England v Ireland, Hampshire Bowl

June 17: Australia v Bangladesh, Headingley

June 17: India v Netherlands, Headingley

June 17: South Africa v Pakistan, Edgbaston

June 18: West Indies v Scotland, Headingley

June 19: New Zealand v Ireland, Hampshire Bowl

June 20: Australia v Netherlands, Hampshire Bowl

June 20: Pakistan v Bangladesh, Hampshire Bowl

June 20: England v Scotland, Headingley

June 21: West Indies v Sri Lanka, Bristol County Ground

June 21: South Africa v India, Old Trafford Cricket Ground

June 23: New Zealand v Scotland, Bristol County Ground

June 23: Sri Lanka v Ireland, Bristol County Ground

June 23: Australia v Pakistan, Headingley

June 24: England v West Indies, Lord’s

June 25: India v Bangladesh, Old Trafford

June 25: South Africa v Netherlands, Bristol

June 26: Sri Lanka v Scotland, Old Trafford

June 27: Pakistan v Netherlands, Bristol

June 27: West Indies v Ireland, Bristol

June 27: England v New Zealand, The Oval

June 28: South Africa v Bangladesh, Lord’s

June 28: Australia v India, Lord’s

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

July 2: TBC v TBC (Semi Final 2), The Oval

July 5: TBC v TBC (The Final), Lord’s

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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 International Cricket Council (ICC) has announced the host venues for the Women’s T20 World Cup 2026, confirming that the final will be played at the iconic Lord’s Cricket Ground on July 5.

Seven venues across England have been picked to stage the 33 matches of the expanded 12-team tournament, which will be played over 24 days.

Alongside Lord’s, the selected venues include Old Trafford, Headingley, Edgbaston, The Oval, Hampshire Bowl, and the Bristol County Ground.

This will mark the return of a women’s World Cup final to Lord’s for the first time since the 2017 edition, where a packed crowd witnessed England defeat India, a moment often credited with sparking global momentum for the women’s game.

New Zealand will come into the tournament as defending champions, having lifted the trophy in the 2024 edition hosted by the UAE.

Eight teams have already secured qualification: Australia, England, India, New Zealand, South Africa, West Indies, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka. The remaining four spots will be filled via a global qualifier scheduled for next year.

The tournament format will feature two groups of six teams each, followed by the semi-finals and the grand finale at Lord’s.

“The United Kingdom’s rich diversity has always shown passionate support for all teams, something we witnessed so memorably at past events,” Jay Shah, the chairman of the International Cricket Council (ICC), said.

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“The sell-out Women’s Cricket World Cup final at Lord’s in 2017 remains a landmark in the rise of the women’s game, and I cannot think of a more fitting stage for the final.

“As we turn our focus to preparing for the tournament, we are excited by the promise of thrilling T20 action that will not only captivate fans here but also serve as a showcase for cricket’s return on the Olympic stage in Los Angeles 2028.”

England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) Chief Executive Richard Gould echoed the sentiment, especially about the Lord’s final.

“It is, of course, extra special to announce that the final will be taking place at Lord’s. It is one of the finest venues in world cricket, and every cricketer dreams of being part of occasions like a World Cup final at Lord’s,” said Gould.

“This will be the biggest women’s cricket event ever staged in England and Wales and is undoubtedly an opportunity to take the game to more people than ever before and welcome new fans, young and old.

“We want this competition to be part of a long-term movement, and not just a single moment in time. This World Cup will grow a new generation of fans who didn’t grow up with women’s cricket but will never imagine sport without it.”

The ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026 will be jointly directed by Beth Barrett-Wild, Director of Women’s Professional Game, and Rob Hillman, Director of Major Events.

The announcement follows the continued rise in stature of women’s cricket globally. The 2020 T20 World Cup final at the Melbourne Cricket Ground drew a record 86,174 spectators, further cementing the format’s appeal.

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