England to Host ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026

The International Cricket Council (ICC) revealed on Wednesday that England will be the venue for the 10th edition of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup in June and July 2026.

The complete schedule for the highly anticipated competition has been issued, with England, the host nation, scheduled to begin their campaign against Sri Lanka at Edgbaston on June 12, 2026.

This iteration is poised to be the largest Women’s T20 World Cup to date, showcasing 12 teams—the most in the tournament’s history—all vying for the coveted championship.

In conjunction with the fixtures, the ICC also unveiled the group allocations.

Group Stage Line-ups
  • Group A: Features reigning champions Australia, 2024 runners-up South Africa, rivals India and Pakistan, along with two qualifiers from the Global Qualifier.
  • Group B: Includes host nation England, 2020 champions New Zealand, Sri Lanka, former champions West Indies, and two additional teams advancing from the Global Qualifier.

The top two teams from each group will proceed to the semi-finals, which are slated for June 30 and July 2 at The Oval. The tournament will reach its climax with a final match at Lord’s on July 5.

Over a span of 24 days, the tournament will consist of 33 matches played at seven historic venues: Edgbaston, The Oval, Old Trafford, Headingley, Hampshire Bowl, Bristol County Ground, and Lord’s.

Reactions to the Announcement

England captain Nat Sciver-Brunt voiced her enthusiasm about participating in a major tournament on home ground.

“World Cups are always remarkable, but this one already carries a distinct atmosphere – it has the potential to be truly transformative,” she commented.

“It’s anticipated to be a significant moment for our sport and an exceptional opportunity to inspire young individuals and engage fans nationwide. Competing on familiar soil, for the ultimate prize, against the world’s top players – it promises to be unforgettable. I eagerly anticipate being a part of it.”

“The tournament will present fans across the nation with an opportunity to witness elite cricketers in action and will also inspire women and girls to engage with cricket.”

Tournament Director Beth Barrett-Wild also emphasized the event’s broader impact beyond the sport itself:

“The ICC Women’s T20 World Cup furnishes us with an unparalleled opportunity to convert a month of sporting brilliance into a movement that will redefine the narrative surrounding women’s cricket,” she stated.

“At renowned venues throughout the country, we will witness exceptional, world-class athletes competing before vast crowds, who, with each delivery bowled and run scored, will contribute to enduring change.

It represents our chance to afford women’s cricket—and women’s sport—the prominence it genuinely merits.”