As the Switzerland women’s national team embarks on their first international tour, taking on Belgium in a historic four-match T20 International series, a new era in European women’s cricket is set to begin.
This series marks Switzerland’s first official Twenty20 International (T20I), with Belgium providing the opposition in what promises to be a historic occasion for both countries. Cricket fans across Europe will closely observe the Swiss team as they step onto the international stage, eager to see how the women’s game evolves and how new players contribute to the sport’s growth.
Both Switzerland and Belgium bring unique stories and ambitions to this landmark women’s cricket series.
Switzerland Women’s Cricket Team
Switzerland’s women’s cricket has recently experienced a revival after facing several challenges over the past decade. The sport gained momentum in 2016 with the formation of the Zurich Sapphires, Switzerland’s first women’s club, which played a pivotal role in developing the national side.
Although a dip in activity occurred around 2019 due to funding and participation issues, renewed interest and organizational support have sparked a renaissance. With new development officers, regular coaching sessions, and growing participation from clubs in Basel, Wettingen, Cossonay, and Bern, Swiss women’s cricket is now poised for a more active and competitive future.
Squad: Laila Pickard, Natalie St Cyr Clarke, Ramya Punekar Krishnamurthy, Saranya Kotha, Jacqui Edmiston, Meghna Rajan, Millie Holmes, Sejal Vinod, Ananya Srinivasan, Franziska Kuenburg, Danashi Medagoda, Metty Fernandes, Naina Metty Saju, Samiha Dabholkar
Belgium Women’s Cricket Team
Belgium’s women’s national cricket team, governed by the Belgian Cricket Federation, has been active in the European Associate cricket circuit since 2011. The team debuted in their first official WT20I series in 2021 against Austria. Although Belgium has yet to secure a win in their seven WT20I matches, their continued participation reflects a steadfast commitment to developing the game. The squad features a mix of experienced players and emerging talent, eager to gain experience and achieve their first international victories.
Squad: Rosemary Lister, Shirin Dias, Shraddha Bhandari, Tripti Gore, Aashita Gupta, Arussa Ilahi, Shabana Illahi, Veera Redkar, Shamma Diwan Ali, Amina Diwan Ali, Attia Diwan Ali, Smriti Kaneria, Sruthi Yenamandra
This upcoming series not only highlights the progress both teams have made but also underscores the growing enthusiasm for women’s cricket across Europe as Switzerland makes its T20I debut and Belgium seeks its breakthrough win.
This highly anticipated series, which will be played at the Stars Arena Hofstade in Zemst, Belgium, is scheduled for May 28 and 29, 2025, at 1:30 PM and 5:45 PM Indian Standard Time (IST).
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