LONDON — The ICC Women's T20 World Cup is set to begin in England and Wales on Friday with 12 teams competing in 33 matches across seven venues, as organizers and participating nations finalize preparations for the tournament running through July 5.
The tenth edition of the tournament, hosted by the England and Wales Cricket Board, opens with England facing Sri Lanka at Edgbaston in Birmingham on June 12. Defending champions New Zealand, winners of the 2024 edition, will look to retain their title against strong contenders including Australia and India.
Teams are divided into two groups. Group 1 features Australia, Bangladesh, India, Netherlands, Pakistan and South Africa. Group 2 includes England, Ireland, New Zealand, Scotland, Sri Lanka and West Indies. The top two teams from each group will advance to the semifinals, with the final scheduled for July 5 at Lord's in London.
The event marks a significant moment for women's cricket, building on growing global interest and increased investment in the sport. Venues include established grounds such as Lord's, The Oval, Old Trafford, Trent Bridge and others across England and Wales.
“Hosting the Women’s T20 World Cup is a proud moment for English cricket and an opportunity to showcase the talent and passion in the women’s game,” an ECB spokesperson said in a statement ahead of the tournament.
Warm-up matches have already taken place, providing teams with final preparation opportunities. Ticket sales have been strong for several matches, reflecting high anticipation among fans. Security, broadcast arrangements and fan engagement activities have been coordinated across host venues.
The tournament format includes a group stage followed by knockout rounds. Organizers have emphasized player welfare, with schedules designed to manage fixture congestion and travel demands across the country.
As the opening match approaches, teams continue final training sessions and squad announcements. Details on broadcast coverage and specific match timings remain available through official ICC and ECB channels. Updates on results and developments will be issued throughout the tournament.
