Bhutan is set to participate in the ACC Women’s Premier Cup 2026 in Malaysia, marking another significant step in the country’s continued rise in women’s cricket on the Asian stage.
The tournament, organized by the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) and hosted by the Malaysian Cricket Association (MCA) will feature emerging women’s teams from across Asia. It is considered an important competition for developing cricket nations and offers players valuable international experience.
Bhutan have been placed in Group D alongside Nepal, Hong Kong, China and Qatar. All of the team’s group-stage matches will be played at KTJ Oval in Malaysia.
Bhutan will begin their campaign against Hong Kong, China on June 3. They will then face Nepal on June 4 before taking on Qatar in their final group-stage fixture on June 6.
Bhutan Women’s Group D Fixtures:
June 3 – Bhutan vs Hong Kong, China | 2:00 PM | KTJ Oval
June 4 – Bhutan vs Nepal | 9:30 AM | KTJ Oval
June 6 – Bhutan vs Qatar | 9:30 AM | KTJ Oval
Bhutan enters the tournament looking to continue the steady growth of women’s cricket in the country. Over the past few years, the team has gained valuable international exposure through regional tournaments and bilateral competitions, helping players improve their experience and competitiveness.
Their opening fixture against Hong Kong, China is expected to be one of the toughest matches in the group stage. Hong Kong, China have enjoyed strong form in recent months and will enter the tournament with confidence after winning the Lotus Cup earlier this year. In the final of the tournament, Hong Kong, China defeated Bhutan to lift the title. Hong Kong, China also recently impressed during a Women’s T20I Tri-Series where they recorded multiple victories and showcased strong all-round performances.
Bhutan will also face a difficult contest against Nepal, one of the stronger associate women’s teams in the region. The match is expected to attract attention because of the growing sporting rivalry between the neighboring countries.
Bhutan will travel to Malaysia with an 18-member touring contingent consisting of 14 players and four officials. The squad will be led by captain Anju Gurung, while Sonam Choden has been named vice-captain. The squad also includes several experienced names who have represented Bhutan in previous regional tournaments, alongside younger players who continue to emerge through the country’s domestic cricket structure.
Bhutan Squad for ACC Women’s Premier Cup 2026:
Anju Gurung (C), Sonam Choden (VC), Ritshi Choden, Tshering Zangmo, Dechen Wangmo, Ngawang Choden, Chado Om, Yangchen Dolkar, Pema Yangchen, Sonam Pelden, Sangay Yangzom,Samjana Mongar, Tshering Choki Choden, Mamta Rai
Women’s cricket in Bhutan has steadily expanded in recent years with increasing participation and support at the grassroots level. International tournaments such as the ACC Women’s Premier Cup are viewed as key opportunities to inspire more young girls to take up the sport while giving national players a chance to compete on bigger stages.
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