The International Cricket Council (ICC) has unveiled the full schedule for the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026, with hosts England set to take on Sri Lanka in the tournament opener on June 12.
The 10th edition of the Women’s T20 World Cup will be held from June 12 to July 5, marking the largest edition in the tournament’s history with 12 teams competing for the title.
Bangladesh, Ireland, Scotland and the Netherlands secured the final four spots through the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup Qualifier held in Nepal last month. They join defending champions New Zealand, inaugural winners England (2009), 2016 champions West Indies, six-time winners Australia, ODI World Cup champions India, Pakistan, South Africa and Sri Lanka.
Also Read: ‘We haven’t accomplished anything yet’: Shimron Hetmyer stays grounded after big win
England will begin their campaign against Sri Lanka on June 12. Ireland and Scotland will clash in an all-European encounter at Old Trafford on June 13. England’s group-stage fixture against Scotland at Headingley on June 20 will mark the first time the two sides meet at an ICC event on English soil.
Group A comprises Australia, India, Pakistan, South Africa, Bangladesh and the Netherlands. Group B features England, New Zealand, West Indies, Sri Lanka, Ireland and Scotland.
The Netherlands will be making their debut at the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup and will open their campaign against Bangladesh, who went unbeaten in the qualifying tournament.
ICC CEO Sanjog Gupta described the schedule release as a key milestone in the lead-up to the global event. He highlighted the ICC’s continued investment in women’s cricket, including expanded participation, improved high-performance pathways, enhanced event standards, increased prize money and wider commercial partnerships.
Gupta added that the recent ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup in India had significantly boosted the sport’s profile, and the governing body aims to carry that momentum into the T20 showpiece in June and July.
The final of the tournament will be held at the iconic Lord’s Cricket Ground in London on July 5.
