ICC Chairman Jay Shah has extended his best wishes to all 12 teams participating in the upcoming ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026. The tournament, set to be the biggest edition in its history, will kick off on June 12 across England and Wales. Shah emphasized the scale of the competition, which will witness a record 12 teams competing for the first time.
The 10th edition of the Women’s T20 World Cup signifies a significant advancement for women’s cricket. Returning to England for the first time since its inception in 2009, the event will feature 33 matches at seven venues, expecting record crowds and global viewership. Hosts England, aiming to replicate their success from the inaugural tournament, are led by former captain Charlotte Edwards, now the head coach.
New Zealand Women’s Cricket Team enters the tournament as defending champions, having clinched their first Women’s T20 World Cup in the UAE in 2024. With only four countries having won the trophy to date, the White Ferns are among the elite. Notably, Australia has a stronghold in the competition’s history, securing six championships.
The tournament boasts a diverse lineup of 12 teams, with England qualifying automatically as hosts. Other direct entries include Australia, India, New Zealand, South Africa, Sri Lanka, Pakistan, and the West Indies based on ICC rankings. Bangladesh, Ireland, Scotland, and the Netherlands earned their spots through the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup Global Qualifier.
Featuring a mix of experienced and debutant teams, the Women’s T20 World Cup 2026 will witness the Netherlands Women’s Cricket Team making their tournament debut, showcasing the sport’s growing popularity in Europe. The teams are divided into two groups, with each team set to play five matches in the group stage, leading to the semi-finals.
The tournament, scheduled at renowned cricket venues in England such as Old Trafford, The Oval, and Lord’s, kicked off with warm-up games on June 6. The semi-finals are slated for June 30 and July 2 at The Oval, culminating in the final on July 5 at Lord’s, a historic moment for women’s cricket.
