Women’s cricket is preparing for one of its most significant moments yet as the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026 gets underway in England and Wales. Featuring an expanded 12-team field, record-breaking prize money, and growing global attention, the tournament promises to showcase how far the women’s game has evolved over the past decade.
From June 12 to July 5, the world’s best players will compete across seven venues in England and Wales, with 33 matches scheduled before the champion is crowned at the iconic Lord’s Cricket Ground. The tournament marks the 10th edition of the Women’s T20 World Cup and the first time England has hosted the event since the inaugural competition in 2009. With traditional powerhouses, rising contenders, and first-time participants all in the mix, the 2026 edition is expected to be one of the most competitive and widely followed tournaments in women’s cricket history.
A Tournament That Has Transformed Women’s Cricket: Since its launch in 2009, the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup has played a major role in elevating the profile of women’s cricket around the world. The inaugural tournament saw England lift the trophy on home soil after defeating New Zealand in the final at Lord’s. Over the years, Australia emerged as the dominant force in the competition. The Australians have won six titles, including memorable triumphs in 2010, 2012, 2014, 2018, 2020, and 2023. Their success established them as the benchmark in women’s cricket and helped drive the sport’s popularity globally.
West Indies joined the list of champions in 2016 thanks to a thrilling victory over Australia in Kolkata, while New Zealand became the newest member of the winners’ circle after defeating South Africa in the 2024 final held in the United Arab Emirates.
The White Ferns will enter this year’s competition as defending champions and will attempt to become the first New Zealand team to successfully defend a Women’s T20 World Cup title. However, Australia, England, India, and South Africa are all considered strong contenders heading into the tournament.
Expanded Format Creates More Opportunities
One of the most significant developments in the 2026 edition is the expansion from 10 teams to 12 teams. The move reflects the ICC’s ongoing efforts to increase participation and create more opportunities for emerging cricket nations. Hosts England qualified automatically, while Australia, India, New Zealand, South Africa, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and West Indies secured direct qualification through the ICC Women’s T20I rankings.
Bangladesh, Ireland, Scotland, and the Netherlands booked their places through the Global Qualifier. The Netherlands’ qualification is particularly noteworthy as the European nation will make its first-ever appearance at a Women’s T20 World Cup.
The teams have been divided into two groups of six. Each side will play five group-stage matches, with the top two teams from each group advancing to the semi-finals. The winners of those knockout matches will then contest the final at Lord’s.
The expanded format not only increases the number of matches but also gives developing teams valuable exposure against some of the strongest sides in world cricket.
Record Prize Money Signals Growth
The ICC has significantly increased financial rewards for the tournament, highlighting the growing commercial value of women’s cricket. A total prize pool of US$8.76 million has been announced for the 2026 edition, making it the richest Women’s T20 World Cup ever. The champions will receive US$2.34 million, while the runners-up will earn US$1.17 million. Losing semi-finalists will take home US$675,000 each. In addition, every group-stage victory will be worth US$31,154, providing further incentives throughout the tournament. All participating teams are guaranteed a minimum payout of US$247,500.
The increase in prize money represents another important step in narrowing the financial gap between men’s and women’s global cricket events and reflects growing investment from sponsors, broadcasters, and governing bodies.
Star Players Ready for the Spotlight
The tournament is expected to feature many of the biggest names in women’s cricket.
Australia will once again rely on its experienced core, while England will look to take advantage of familiar home conditions. India enters the competition with one of its strongest squads in recent years and hopes to secure a maiden Women’s T20 World Cup title after coming close on multiple occasions.
New Zealand, meanwhile, will be aiming to prove that their 2024 triumph was no one-off success, while South Africa continues its pursuit of a first major ICC trophy. The event also provides an opportunity for emerging stars from Scotland, Ireland, Bangladesh, and the Netherlands to make their mark on the global stage.
Global Broadcast Coverage
Fans across the world will have extensive access to the tournament through a wide network of television broadcasters and streaming platforms.
In India and neighbouring countries, matches will be shown live on Star Sports and streamed via JioHotstar. Viewers in England can follow the action through Sky Sports, while Australian audiences will have access through Prime Video.
Coverage in New Zealand will be available on Sky Sport, while fans in Pakistan can watch via PTV Sports, Geo Super, and Myco. SuperSport will provide coverage across South Africa and Sub-Saharan Africa, while Willow TV will broadcast matches throughout the United States and Canada.
For supporters in regions without dedicated broadcast partners, ICC.tv will stream matches live, ensuring worldwide access to every game.
A Defining Tournament
The ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026 arrives at a time when women’s cricket is experiencing unprecedented growth. Bigger crowds, stronger domestic leagues, increased media coverage, and greater investment have transformed the landscape of the sport. As 12 nations begin their quest for global glory, the tournament represents more than just a battle for a trophy. It is a celebration of how far women’s cricket has come and a glimpse into the exciting future that lies ahead.
Squads:
Group 1 –
Australia
Sophie Molineux (C), Nicola Carey, Ashleigh Gardner, Kim Garth, Lucy Hamilton, Grace Harris, Alana King, Phoebe Litchfield, Tahlia McGrath, Beth Mooney, Ellyse Perry, Megan Schutt, Annabel Sutherland, Georgia Voll, Georgia Wareham
Bangladesh
Nigar Sultana Joty (C), Nahida Akter (VC), Sharmin Akter Supta, Sobhana Mostary, Shorna Akter, Ritu Moni, Rabeya Khan, Fahima Khatun, Fariha Islam Trisna, Marufa Akter, Shanjida Akther Maghla, Sultana Khatun, Dilara Akter, Juairiya Ferdous, Taj Nehar
India
Harmanpreet Kaur (C), Smriti Mandhana, Shafali Verma, Jemimah Rodrigues, Bharti Fulmali, Deepti Sharma, Richa Ghosh, Shree Charani, Yastika Bhatia, Nandani Sharma, Arundhati Reddy, Renuka Singh, Kranti Gaud, Shreyanka Patil, Radha Yadav
Netherlands
Babette de Leede (C), Caroline de Lange, Frédérique Overdijk, Hannah Landheer, Heather Siegers, Iris Zwilling, Isabel van der Woning, Lara Leemhuis, Myrthe van den Raad, Phebe Molkenboer, Robine Rijke, Rosalie Lawrence, Sanya Khurana, Silver Siegers, Sterre Kalis
Pakistan
Fatima Sana (C), Gull Feroza, Ayesha Zafar, Iram Javed, Eyman Fatima, Aliya Riaz, Natalia Parvaiz, Saira Jabeen, Muneeba Ali, Tuba Hassan, Rameen Shamim, Sadia Iqbal, Nashra Sandhu, Diana Baig, Tasmia Rubab
South Africa
Laura Wolvaardt (C), Tazmin Brits, Nadine de Klerk, Annerie Dercksen, Shabnim Ismail, Sinalo Jafta, Marizanne Kapp, Ayabonga Khaka, Sune Luus, Karabo Meso, Nonkululeko Mlaba, Kayla Reyneke, Tumi Sekhukhune, Chloe Tryon, Dane van Nierkerk
Group 2 –
England
Nat Sciver-Brunt (C), Lauren Bell, Alice Capsey, Tilly Corteen-Coleman, Charlie Dean, Sophia Dunkley, Sophie Ecclestone, Lauren Filer, Dani Gibson, Amy Jones, Freya Kemp, Heather Knight, Linsey Smith, Issy Wong, Danni Wyatt-Hodge
Ireland
Gaby Lewis (C), Ava Canning, Christina Coulter Reilly, Alana Dalzell, Georgina Dempsey, Amy Hunter, Arlene Kelly, Louise Little, Aimee Maguire, Lara McBride, Cara Murray, Leah Paul, Orla Prendergast, Rebecca Stokell, Alice Tector
New Zealand
Amelia Kerr (C), Suzie Bates, Sophie Devine, Flora Devonshire, Izzy Gaze, Maddy Green, Brooke Halliday, Bree Illing, Polly Inglis, Jess Kerr, Rosemary Mair, Nensi Patel, Georgia Plimmer, Izzy Sharp, Lea Tahuhu
Scotland
Kathryn Bryce (C), Chloe Abel, Olivia Bell, Sarah Bryce, Darcey Carter, Priyanaz Chatterji, Gabriella Fontenla, Katherine Fraser, Kirstie Gordon, Ailsa Lister, Maisie Maceira, Abtaha Maqsood, Megan McColl, Rachel Slater, Pippa Sproul
Sri Lanka
Chamari Athapaththu (C), Hasini Perera, Vishmi Gunarathne, Harshitha Samarawickrama, Imesha Dulani, Nilakshika Silva, Kaveesha Dilhari, Hansima Karunarathne, Kaushini Nuthyangana, Sugandika Dassanayaka, Nimasha Madushani, Shashini Gimhani, Kawya Kavindi, Malki Madara, Mithali Ayodhya
West Indies
Hayley Matthews (C), Chinelle Henry, Deandra Dottin, Stafanie Taylor, Afy Fletcher, Aaliyah Alleyne, Shemaine Campbelle, Ashmini Munisar, Karishma Ramharack, Jannillea Glasgow, Jahzara Claxton, Qiana Joseph, Zaida James, Mandy Mangru, Shawnisha Hector
Schedule:
12 June 2026 – England vs Sri Lanka, Edgbaston, Birmingham, 11:00 PM IST
13 June 2026 – Qualifier vs Qualifier, Old Trafford, Manchester, 3:00 PM IST
13 June 2026 – Australia vs South Africa, Old Trafford, Manchester, 7:00 PM IST
13 June 2026 – New Zealand vs West Indies, Rose Bowl, Southampton, 11:00 PM IST
14 June 2026 – Qualifier vs Qualifier, Edgbaston, Birmingham, 3:00 PM IST
14 June 2026 – India vs Pakistan, Edgbaston, Birmingham, 7:00 PM IST
16 June 2026 – New Zealand vs Sri Lanka, Rose Bowl, Southampton, 7:00 PM IST
16 June 2026 – England vs Qualifier, Rose Bowl, Southampton, 11:00 PM IST
17 June 2026 – Australia vs Qualifier, Headingley, Leeds, 3:00 PM IST
17 June 2026 – India vs Qualifier, Headingley, Leeds, 7:00 PM IST
17 June 2026 – Pakistan vs South Africa, Edgbaston, Birmingham, 11:00 PM IST
18 June 2026 – West Indies vs Qualifier, Headingley, Leeds, 11:00 PM IST
19 June 2026 – New Zealand vs Qualifier, Rose Bowl, Southampton, 11:00 PM IST
20 June 2026 – Australia vs Qualifier, Rose Bowl, Southampton, 3:00 PM IST
20 June 2026 – Pakistan vs Qualifier, Old Trafford, Manchester, 7:00 PM IST
20 June 2026 – England vs Qualifier, Headingley, Leeds, 11:00 PM IST
21 June 2026 – India vs South Africa, Old Trafford, Manchester, 7:00 PM IST
23 June 2026 – Australia vs Pakistan, Headingley, Leeds, 11:00 PM IST
23 June 2026 – New Zealand vs Qualifier, County Ground, Bristol, 3:00 PM IST
24 June 2026 – England vs West Indies, Lord’s, London, 11:00 PM IST
25 June 2026 – India vs Qualifier, Old Trafford, Manchester, 7:00 PM IST
25 June 2026 – South Africa vs Qualifier, County Ground, Bristol, 11:00 PM IST
26 June 2026 – Sri Lanka vs Qualifier, Old Trafford, Manchester, 11:00 PM IST
27 June 2026 – Pakistan vs Qualifier, County Ground, Bristol, 3:00 PM IST
27 June 2026 – West Indies vs Qualifier, County Ground, Bristol, 7:00 PM IST
27 June 2026 – England vs New Zealand, The Oval, London, 11:00 PM IST
28 June 2026 – South Africa vs Qualifier, Lord’s, London, 3:00 PM IST
28 June 2026 – Australia vs India, Lord’s, London, 7:00 PM IST
30 June 2026 – Semi-final 1, The Oval, London, 7:00 PM IST
2 July 2026 – Semi-final 2, The Oval, London, 11:00 PM IST
5 July 2026 – Final, Lord’s, London, 7:00 PM IST
