The biggest Mahakumbh in the history of women’s cricket is ready to knock in England and Wales. The world is eagerly waiting for this historic Women’s T20 World Cup, starting from 12th June 2026. ICC Chairman Jay Shah has extended his best wishes to all the 12 teams participating in the tournament. She has described it as the biggest and grandest edition in the history of women’s cricket. Shah posted on social media platform X that this World Cup will be historic in many ways.
For the first time, 12 teams will participate in this tournament. Record audiences and the widest global broadcast ever are also expected. Shah reiterated in his message that the iconic stadiums of England and Wales will host record crowds. This tournament will prove to be a memorable event connecting crores of cricket lovers around the world.
The first match of the Women’s T20 World Cup 2026 will be played on June 12. This is the 10th edition of the tournament. England will host it for the first time since the inaugural edition in 2009. A total of 33 matches will be held on seven major cricket grounds in England and Wales.
The host England team will enter the field with the intention of winning the second trophy. She won the first Women’s T20 World Cup in 2009. Charlotte Edwards, who was the team captain at that time, is now playing the role of head coach. The team would like to repeat the success on home soil.
The current champion New Zealand women’s team will defend its title. The White Ferns won the title for the first time by winning the Women’s T20 World Cup held in UAE in 2024. Only four countries have won the trophy so far in the history of the Women’s T20 World Cup. Australia has been the most successful team, winning the title a record six times. England, West Indies and New Zealand have achieved the distinction of becoming champions once each.
A total of 12 teams will participate in the tournament. Being the host, England has got direct entry. Australia, India, New Zealand, South Africa, Sri Lanka, Pakistan and West Indies have qualified on the basis of ICC rankings. Bangladesh, Ireland, Scotland and Netherlands made their places through the Global Qualifiers. The special thing is that Netherlands will participate in the Women’s T20 World Cup for the first time.
The teams have been divided into two groups for the tournament. Group A includes Australia, Bangladesh, India, Netherlands, Pakistan and South Africa. In Group-B, along with hosts England, Ireland, New Zealand, Scotland, Sri Lanka and West Indies will present their challenge.
The matches will be played on the prestigious cricket grounds of England. These include Old Trafford, Headingley, Edgbaston, County Ground Bristol, Utility Bowl, The Oval and Lord’s.
The warm-up matches of the tournament have started from June 6 in Derby, Loughborough and Cardiff. The first semi-final will be played on June 30 at The Oval. The second semi-final will also be held at The Oval on July 2. The title match will be held on July 5 at Lord’s, known as the Mecca of cricket.
