The International Cricket Council (ICC) has announced significant changes to the women's cricket calendar, moving the Women's Champions Trophy to 2027 and outlining the qualification pathway for the 2028 Women's T20 World Cup. These decisions were made during the ICC Board meeting held in Dubai.
Women's Champions Trophy 2027 Rescheduled
Originally slated for 2026, the Women's Champions Trophy will now take place in 2027. The tournament will feature the top eight women's cricket teams, competing in a 50-over format. The shift aims to provide better preparation and alignment with the global cricket schedule, ensuring optimal participation and competitive balance.
Qualification for 2028 Women's T20 World Cup
The ICC also confirmed the qualification process for the 2028 Women's T20 World Cup. The tournament will expand to 12 teams, up from 10 in previous editions. The host nation will automatically qualify, along with the top teams from the ICC Women's T20I Rankings as of a specified cutoff date. Regional qualifiers will determine the remaining spots, providing opportunities for emerging cricketing nations.
Key Qualification Details:
- The top eight ranked teams as of the cutoff date will secure direct entry.
- Four additional teams will emerge from regional qualification tournaments across Asia, Africa, Americas, East Asia-Pacific, and Europe.
- The qualification window will open in 2026, with regional events concluding by early 2027.
Impact on Women's Cricket
These changes are part of the ICC's broader strategy to grow women's cricket globally. By expanding the T20 World Cup and rescheduling the Champions Trophy, the ICC aims to enhance the competitiveness and visibility of the sport. The moves have been welcomed by cricket boards and players, who see them as steps toward greater parity and investment in women's cricket.
The ICC also reiterated its commitment to developing the women's game through increased funding, broadcast coverage, and grassroots programs. The next Women's T20 World Cup is scheduled for 2026 in England, followed by the 2027 Women's Champions Trophy, with the 2028 edition set to be hosted by an as-yet-unnamed nation.
