The President of the Asian Cricket Council (ACC), Jay Shah, announced a significant development in women’s international cricket with the launch of the inaugural Women’s Under-19 T20 Asia Cup. The new tournament will take place every alternate year, serving as vital preparation for the U-19 T20 World Cup, with its inaugural edition scheduled for later this year in November.
This decision was made during the ACC Executive Board meeting, presided over by Jay Shah, who is set to become the International Cricket Council (ICC) Chairman on December 1. The meeting was held in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. An ICC initiative, the inaugural edition of the U-19 Women’s T20 World Cup took place in 2023.
This initiative marks a significant milestone in elevating the profile of women’s cricket in the region, driving its expansion, and increasing its global fan base. For the first time, the ACC has introduced a well-defined pathway for young female cricketers, demonstrating its strong commitment to promoting gender equality and nurturing cricketing talent at every level.
Jay Shah emphasized the importance of launching the Women’s U-19 Asia Cup as a turning point for cricket in Asia. This tournament aims to provide young women cricketers with an essential platform to develop their skills and showcase their talent at a competitive level.
Historically, women’s cricket has lacked the same level of structure and opportunity as men’s cricket, especially at the junior level. By introducing a dedicated U-19 competition, the ACC is taking a critical step toward closing that gap, allowing emerging players to gain valuable experience, exposure, and recognition on a larger stage.
“Today marks a pivotal moment for cricket in Asia. The introduction of the Women’s U-19 Asia Cup is a monumental achievement, providing a much-needed platform for young women cricketers to develop their skills and showcase their talent. This initiative strengthens the future of women’s cricket in Asia, and we are proud of the lasting impact these decisions will have, not only within our member nations but across the global cricketing community,” Jay Shah stated.