ICC Releases Schedule for Historic 2026 Women’s T20 World Cup

The International Cricket Council (ICC) has officially released the full schedule for the 2026 ICC Women’s T20 World Cup , setting the stage for a landmark edition of the tournament. The competition will be held across England and Wales from June 12 to July 5, 2026 , marking the 10th edition of the global showpiece and reflecting the rapid rise of women’s cricket worldwide. In a historic expansion, 12 teams will compete for the title the largest field in the tournament’s history highlighting the sport’s growing global footprint and competitiveness.

The tournament will begin at Edgbaston, Birmingham , where hosts England face Sri Lanka in the opening match. Defending champions New Zealand will attempt to retain their crown against a strong lineup that includes Australia, India, South Africa, West Indies, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Ireland, Scotland , and tournament debutants Netherlands , whose qualification marks an important milestone for European women’s cricket. The teams are divided into two groups, with the top two from each advancing to the knockout stage.

Group 1 features Australia, South Africa, India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Netherlands, while Group 2 includes West Indies, England, New Zealand, Sri Lanka, Ireland, and Scotland. The expanded format aims to provide emerging teams greater exposure while ensuring high-quality competition among established cricketing powers.

Several marquee fixtures promise to capture global attention. The tournament opens on June 12 with England taking on Sri Lanka, followed by a heavyweight clash between Australia and South Africa on June 13 . One of the most anticipated matches of the group stage will take place on June 14 , when arch-rivals India and Pakistan meet at Edgbaston in a high-voltage encounter. Another notable match on June 20 will see England face Scotland — their first meeting on English soil in an ICC event.

Matches will be played at some of the United Kingdom’s most iconic cricket venues, including Lord’s, The Oval, Old Trafford, Headingley, Bristol County Ground , and the Hampshire Bowl , showcasing the tournament on historic stages that have hosted some of cricket’s most memorable moments. The semifinals are scheduled for June 30 and July 2 , while the grand final will take place at the historic Lord’s Cricket Ground in London on July 5 , where the next world champion will be crowned.

ICC officials have emphasized that the expanded tournament represents a significant step toward elevating women’s cricket globally by increasing participation, competitiveness, and fan engagement. Building on the record-breaking enthusiasm witnessed in recent women’s tournaments particularly the surge in viewership and attendance in India — the 2026 edition is expected to draw unprecedented global interest.

With an expanded lineup, iconic venues, and high-profile rivalries, the 2026 ICC Women’s T20 World Cup promises to be a defining moment for women’s cricket and a celebration of the sport’s growing global appeal.