The International Cricket Council has confirmed England and Wales as hosts of the 2026 Women’s T20 Cricket World Cup. It will be the first time the tournament is hosted on English shores since its inception in 2009 when the host nation lifted the trophy, beating New Zealand in the final at Lord’s.
“We’re absolutely delighted that we’ve been selected to host the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026” said ECB interim chief executive officer Clare Connor.
Although the venues are yet to be confirmed, the competition will take place in June and will see the finals expanded from 10 to 12 nations, meaning a total of 33 fixtures will be played.
In 2017 England and Wales hosted the 50-over Women’s Cricket World Cup when Heather Knight’s side claimed glory, now Connor aims to use the T20 tournament to build on that legacy.
“We saw back in 2017 how hosting the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup captured people’s imagination and I’ll never forget watching Heather Knight lift the trophy on that magical day at a sold-out Lord’s.
“Women’s cricket has developed rapidly since then, from the numbers of girls picking up bats through All Stars and Dynamos, joining clubs, and being able to progress on a pathway to the highest levels of performance.
“We’re seeing right now the positive impact that the UEFA Women’s Euro is having for football, and hosting this global cricket event will give us another incredible opportunity to inspire even more girls to pick up a bat and ball.”
Four major tournaments have been announced from 2024 to 2027.
Bangladesh will host a major women’s tournament for the first time when they stage the T20 World Cup in 2024, while India is set to be the next location for the Women’s World Cup a year later.
Once England takes centre stage with the 2026 T20 Women’s World Cup, the inaugural Women’s Champions Trophy is slated for Sri Lanka – subject to qualification – for February 2027.
Sports minister Nigel Huddleston heralded another landmark sporting event coming to England: “A decade on from London 2012 and ahead of women’s T20 cricket taking place at the Commonwealth Games from this weekend, I’m delighted that the ICC has recognised the UK’s reputation as a host of major sporting events and champion for women’s sport.”
Photo 1 Caption: The International Cricket Council has confirmed England and Wales as hosts of the 2026 Women’s T20 Cricket World Cup. It will be the first time the tournament is hosted on English shores since its inception in 2009 when the host nation lifted the trophy, beating New Zealand in the final at Lords. Photo: ECB (Website)
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