Jay Shah Extends Best Wishes as Biggest-Ever Women’s T20 World Cup Set to Begin

New Delhi, June 2026 : International Cricket Council (ICC) Chairman Jay Shah has extended his best wishes to all 12 participating teams ahead of the start of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026, describing the upcoming competition as the largest and most significant edition in the tournament’s history.

The 10th edition of the Women’s T20 World Cup is scheduled to begin on June 12 in England and Wales, marking a major milestone for women’s cricket. For the first time since the tournament’s inception in 2009, 12 teams will compete for the coveted title, reflecting the continued growth and global expansion of the women’s game.

Taking to social media platform X ahead of the opening match, Shah highlighted the historic nature of the event and expressed confidence that the tournament would captivate cricket fans across the world.

“Wishing all 12 teams the very best for the biggest ICC Women’s T20 World Cup ever. With iconic venues across England and Wales set to experience record-breaking attendance and the widest-ever global broadcast for a women’s event, we’re set for an unforgettable tournament which brings together millions of fans and the best athletes in the world,” Shah wrote.

The tournament’s return to England carries special significance. The country hosted the inaugural Women’s T20 World Cup in 2009, where the home side lifted the trophy under the leadership of Charlotte Edwards. Seventeen years later, Edwards returns to the global event in a different role, serving as England’s head coach as the hosts attempt to recreate that historic success.

England will enter the tournament with strong expectations, particularly given their impressive record at home. Their memorable triumph in the Women’s ODI World Cup in 2017 remains one of the defining moments in the history of women’s cricket in the country. Playing in familiar conditions and backed by passionate home support, England will be among the leading contenders for the title.

Defending champions New Zealand will also attract significant attention. The White Ferns captured their maiden Women’s T20 World Cup crown in 2024 in the United Arab Emirates, becoming only the fourth nation to win the competition. They will now aim to defend their title against a highly competitive field featuring several established cricketing powers.

Australia remains the most successful team in the tournament’s history, having won six of the previous nine editions. Their dominance over the years has made them the benchmark in women’s cricket, and they once again enter the competition among the favourites. Alongside Australia, former champions England, New Zealand and the West Indies will all be seeking another title.

The expanded tournament format reflects the ICC’s commitment to growing women’s cricket worldwide. Apart from hosts England, automatic qualification was secured by Australia, India, New Zealand, South Africa, Sri Lanka, Pakistan and the West Indies through their ICC rankings.

The remaining four places were filled through the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup Global Qualifier, with Bangladesh, Ireland, Scotland and the Netherlands earning their spots after impressive qualifying campaigns.

One of the most notable stories of the tournament is the participation of the Netherlands, who will make their debut appearance at a Women’s T20 World Cup. Their qualification underlines the increasing competitiveness of women’s cricket beyond its traditional strongholds and highlights the sport’s growing popularity across Europe.

The 12 teams have been divided into two groups of six. Group A consists of Australia, Bangladesh, India, Netherlands, Pakistan and South Africa. Group B features England, Ireland, New Zealand, Scotland, Sri Lanka and the West Indies.

Each team will play five group-stage matches, with the top two sides from each group advancing to the semi-finals. A total of 33 matches will be played during the tournament.

Some of England’s most iconic cricket venues will host the event, including Lord’s, The Oval, Old Trafford, Headingley, Edgbaston, the County Ground in Bristol and the Utilita Bowl. Warm-up matches began on June 6 in Derby, Loughborough and Cardiff, allowing teams to fine-tune their preparations.

The knockout stage will see the semi-finals played at The Oval on June 30 and July 2, while the grand final is scheduled for July 5 at Lord’s. With record crowds, unprecedented global broadcast reach and the world’s best players in action, the Women’s T20 World Cup 2026 promises to be a landmark event for the sport.