ICC unveils the full schedule for Women’s T20 World Cup 2026

ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026 schedule has been officially announced, promising 24 days of electrifying international cricket across England and Wales. With 12 teams competing for the prestigious trophy currently held by New Zealand, the tournament is set to captivate cricket fans worldwide. The opening match will see England face Sri Lanka at Edgbaston on June 12, followed closely by a high-voltage India-Pakistan clash that will kick off their campaign. Iconic venues like Lord’s, The Oval, and Headingley will host key fixtures, including the semi-finals and final, underscoring the tournament’s significance in elevating women’s cricket to new heights.

A cricket carnival across England and Wales: Iconic venues and unmissable matches

The ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026 is not just a tournament; it’s a nationwide celebration of women’s cricket. Spanning 24 days, the event will travel across some of England and Wales’ most revered cricket grounds. The tournament will open with a thrilling encounter between England and Sri Lanka at Edgbaston under lights, setting the tone for a month filled with world-class action. Other historic venues such as Old Trafford, Headingley, Bristol County Ground, and Hampshire Bowl will host group stage matches, while the semi-finals and final will be held at The Oval and Lord’s respectively—grounds steeped in cricketing history.

The tournament features 12 teams divided into two groups. Group 1 includes powerhouses like Australia, South Africa, India, and Pakistan, alongside two qualifiers. Group 2 features the West Indies, England, New Zealand, Sri Lanka, and two qualifiers. Fans can look forward to marquee clashes such as Australia vs South Africa, New Zealand vs West Indies, and the much-anticipated India-Pakistan at Edgbaston on June 14. The expanded format and diverse venues ensure that fans across the country will witness thrilling cricket firsthand, further embedding women’s cricket into the mainstream sporting culture.

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The transformative power of the Women’s T20 World Cup

Beyond the excitement of the matches, the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026 represents a pivotal moment for women’s sport. England Women’s captain Nat Sciver-Brunt emphasized the tournament’s potential to be “game-changing,” highlighting its ability to inspire young people and captivate fans nationwide. Tournament Director Beth Barrett-Wild echoed this sentiment, describing the event as an opportunity to “rewrite the narrative about women’s cricket” and create lasting change.

With hundreds of thousands of fans expected to attend matches, the tournament will showcase world-class female athletes battling for glory on some of cricket’s grandest stages. This visibility is crucial in encouraging more women and girls to take up the sport, fostering inclusivity and growth at grassroots levels. The ICC’s commitment to expanding the competition and hosting it across multiple venues reflects a broader vision to elevate women’s cricket to the prominence it deserves.

Full schedule of ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026

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This article was first published at WomenCricket.com, a Cricket Times company.