Will the ICC Board's Expansion of the Women’s ODI World Cup to Ten Teams Transform Women's Cricket?
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Synopsis
In a groundbreaking move, the ICC has declared an expansion of the Women’s ODI World Cup to 10 teams in 2029. This decision not only enhances competition but also opens doors for emerging cricketing nations, following the remarkable success of India's recent tournament victory. Discover the implications of this bold step for women’s cricket on a global scale.
Key Takeaways
- Expansion to 10 Teams: The 2029 Women’s ODI World Cup will feature 10 teams, doubling opportunities.
- Record Viewership: The last tournament achieved record-breaking viewership numbers.
- Support for Emerging Nations: This decision aims to enhance competition and inclusivity.
- Commitment to Women's Cricket: ICC reaffirms its dedication to the growth of women’s cricket.
- Project USA: Focused on optimizing cricket's inclusion in the LA 2028 Olympics.
New Delhi, Nov 7 (NationPress) The International Cricket Council (ICC) has announced that the upcoming Women’s ODI World Cup, scheduled for 2029, will include 10 teams, signifying a major milestone in the tournament’s growth and international presence.
This resolution was endorsed by the ICC Board during their meeting in Dubai on Friday, with the goal of creating enhanced opportunities for developing nations and fortifying the competitive environment of women’s cricket globally.
This announcement follows India's triumph in the tournament held on home soil, where they achieved a 52-run victory over South Africa in the final, attracting an impressive viewership of 185 million on JioHotstar, matching the audience numbers of the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2024 Final and surpassing the average daily reach of the IPL. Overall, the tournament achieved a remarkable reach of 446 million, the highest ever recorded for women’s cricket.
The ICC reiterated its dedication to promoting Women’s Cricket, highlighting the success of the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025 in India as a testament to its enduring belief in the Women's game. Nearly 300,000 fans attended the event in stadiums, setting a new record for attendance at any women’s cricket tournament.
“The tournament also experienced viewership growth and established new records for global on-screen audiences, with almost 500 million viewers in India. The ICC board, eager to build upon this success, has decided to expand the next edition of the tournament to 10 teams (up from 8 teams in 2025),” stated the ICC in its announcement.
Furthermore, the ICC Board confirmed the appointment of several members to the ICC Women’s Cricket Committee, including Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) CEO Ashley De Silva, Indian cricket legend Mithali Raj, India head coach Amol Muzumdar, New Zealand head coach Ben Sawyer, England head coach Charlotte Edwards, and Samoa Cricket CEO Sala Stella Siale-Vaea.
The ICC also provided an update on ‘Project USA’, initiated after the suspension of USA Cricket, ensuring that the commercial and development interests of players in the US national teams remain unaffected during the board's suspension due to non-compliance.
This project aims to establish a streamlined pathway for Cricket's inclusion in the LA 2028 Olympic Games and to improve performance avenues for US national teams through ongoing participation in ICC Events.
Point of View
It is evident that the ICC's decision to expand the Women’s ODI World Cup reflects a strong commitment to enhancing the status of women’s cricket. This expansion not only promotes inclusivity but also strengthens the competitive framework necessary for the sport's growth. NationPress supports these initiatives, believing they will foster a more diverse and competitive landscape in the world of women's cricket.
NationPress
09/11/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the ICC's new decision regarding the Women’s ODI World Cup?
The ICC has confirmed that the next Women’s ODI World Cup in 2029 will feature 10 teams, expanding from the previous 8 teams. This decision aims to enhance competition and provide opportunities for emerging cricketing nations.
How did the last Women's ODI World Cup perform in terms of viewership?
The last Women’s ODI World Cup recorded a remarkable reach of 446 million viewers, with 185 million tuning in for the final match on JioHotstar, matching the viewership of the Men's T20 World Cup 2024 Final.
What was the significance of India's victory in the last tournament?
India's victory marked a momentous occasion, showcasing the potential of women's cricket in the country and contributing to an unprecedented viewership, thus setting a high benchmark for future tournaments.
