In a significant step towards promoting gender equity in cricket, the International Cricket Council (ICC) has confirmed the expansion of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup to 16 teams by the year 2030. This decision highlights the ICC’s commitment to the growth and global reach of women’s cricket.
From its inception with eight teams in 2009, the Women’s T20 World Cup has steadily expanded, with the upcoming 2026 edition set to feature 12 teams before reaching 16 teams in 2030. This expansion not only reflects the increasing popularity and competitiveness of women’s cricket but also aims to provide more opportunities for teams worldwide to participate at the highest level of T20 cricket.
The ICC Board’s decision was announced during the ICC Annual Conference in Colombo, where leaders from 108 ICC Member nations assembled. The conference, themed “Capitalizing on the Olympic Opportunity,” emphasized cricket’s forthcoming inclusion in the LA28 Olympics, highlighting the sport’s global growth path.
In addition to expanding the Women’s T20 World Cup, the ICC also outlined key changes to the qualification process for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026. The allocation of qualifying spots now includes eight regional spots, ensuring greater representation across different cricketing regions.
Furthermore, the ICC addressed governance issues within its membership, notifying USA Cricket and Cricket Chile of non-compliance with ICC Membership Criteria. Both associations have been given a 12-month period to rectify governance and administrative shortages.
The conference concluded with announcements regarding appointments to the ICC Men’s Cricket Committee, with Paul Reiffel appointed as the Elite Panel Umpire and Richie Richardson as the Elite Panel Referee. These appointments aim to enhance the governance and officiating standards within international cricket.
As cricket continues to evolve globally, these strategic decisions by the ICC emphasize its active approach in advancing both the men’s and women’s games, ensuring inclusivity, competitiveness, and growth across all levels of the sport.