The International Cricket Council (ICC) has laid the groundwork for an exciting future for women’s cricket by announcing an extensive Future Tours Programme (FTP) for 2025-2029. Anchored by the fourth edition of the ICC Women’s Championship (IWC), the FTP introduces a calendar brimming with bilateral series, tri-nation tournaments, and ICC events designed to elevate the women’s game globally.
With a significant expansion in matches across all formats, this FTP surpasses the previous cycle (2022-2025) in scope. The highlight of this phase is the introduction of the inaugural ICC Women’s Champions Trophy, scheduled for 2027. Alongside this, fans can look forward to an ICC event every year, starting with the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup in 2025 (India), the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup in 2026 (United Kingdom), and the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup in 2028 (Pakistan).
ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025: India Set to Host
The 13th edition of the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup will return to India in 2025, marking the fourth time the nation has hosted the prestigious event, following the tournaments in 1978, 1997, and 2013. Defending champions Australia, the most successful team in the competition’s history with seven titles, will aim to continue their dominance. England (four titles) and New Zealand (one title) have previously lifted the trophy, while India and the West Indies have reached the finals without tasting victory.
In a notable development, all matches involving Pakistan will be played at a neutral venue. This decision aligns with the ICC’s stance on India-Pakistan encounters at ICC events hosted by either country during the 2024-2027 cycle. This will also mark the last edition of the tournament featuring eight teams, signaling a shift toward a broader competitive format in future editions.
ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026: England Prepares to Shine
England is set to host the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup for the second time in 2026, after successfully hosting and winning the inaugural edition in 2009. The tournament will expand to feature 12 teams for the first time, reflecting the growing competitiveness of the women’s game.
As of 2024, Australia leads the tally with six titles (2010, 2012, 2014, 2018, 2020, and 2023). England, West Indies, and New Zealand are the only other nations to have won the tournament. England will be eager to recreate their 2009 success on home soil and challenge Australia’s supremacy.
ICC Women’s Champions Trophy 2027: A New Era Begins
The ICC Women’s Champions Trophy, announced on International Women’s Day in 2021, will make its debut in 2027. Featuring six teams competing in a round-robin format, the top two teams will battle for the championship title in the final. Sri Lanka has been provisionally granted hosting rights, contingent upon qualification.
The tournament will consist of 16 matches, offering a platform to showcase the best talents in women’s cricket. As a marquee addition to the women’s cricket calendar, the Champions Trophy is expected to foster intense competition and excitement.
ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2028: Pakistan to Host
The ICC Women’s T20 World Cup will head to Pakistan in 2028. However, much like the arrangement for the 2025 World Cup, all matches featuring India will be played at a neutral venue due to geopolitical considerations. India boasts an 81%-win rate against Pakistan in T20Is and an unblemished record in ODIs, underlining their dominance in bilateral clashes.
Historically, India has defeated Pakistan six times in ICC Women’s T20 World Cup encounters, further emphasizing the rivalry between the two sides. The tournament promises to bring out the best in both nations as they clash under high-stakes circumstances.
ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2029: To Be Decided
The ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2029 has been announced, with the host country yet to be finalized. Cricket Australia is poised to host one of the senior ICC women’s tournaments in the 2029-2031 cycle, keeping Australia in the mix as a potential host for the 2029 World Cup.
This announcement ensures that women’s cricket continues its upward trajectory, building on the momentum of recent years and charting a path toward a brighter, more inclusive future for the sport.
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