ICC U19 Women's T20 World Cup 2027: India to defend title in Bangladesh and Nepal
Synopsis
India enter the 2027 ICC U19 Women's T20 World Cup as two-time defending champions, with their title defence beginning on 22 January in Kathmandu against the West Indies. The third edition, co-hosted by Bangladesh and Nepal across 41 matches, is the most expansive yet — and a deliberate ICC bet on South Asia's youth demographics to grow women's cricket.
Key Takeaways
The 2027 ICC U19 Women's T20 World Cup runs from 21 January to 6 February 2027 , co-hosted by Bangladesh and Nepal .
16 teams will play 41 matches across venues in Chattogram , Sylhet , and Kathmandu .
India , two-time defending champions, are in Group A and open against the West Indies on 22 January in Kathmandu.
The final is scheduled for 6 February at 1:30 pm local time , with 7 February as reserve day.
ICC CEO Sanjog Gupta highlighted that nearly 40% of Bangladesh's and Nepal's populations are under age 20, making them ideal hosts for a youth cricket event.
The International Cricket Council (ICC) has officially announced the schedule for the 2027 ICC U19 Women's T20 World Cup, with Bangladesh and Nepal set to co-host the third edition of the tournament from 21 January to 6 February 2027. A total of 16 teams will compete across 41 matches at venues in Chattogram, Sylhet, and Kathmandu, with India entering as two-time defending champions.
Tournament Format and Schedule
The competition will feature four groups of four teams each, with the group stage running through 26 January. The top sides will then advance to the Super Six stage, split into two groups, from which the top two teams in each group will qualify for the semi-finals. The semi-finals are scheduled for 4 February at the Bir Shrestha Shahid Flight Lieutenant Matiur Rahman Cricket Stadium in Chattogram, with 5 February as a reserve day. The final is set for 6 February at 1:30 pm local time, with 7 February designated as the reserve day.
India's Draw and Opener
India have been placed in Group A alongside Ireland, the West Indies, and hosts Nepal. The defending champions will kick off their title defence on 22 January against the West Indies at the TU International Cricket Stadium in Kathmandu. Earlier on the same day, Nepal will open their campaign against Ireland, making the opening round of Group A particularly significant.
Group Breakdown and Opening Day
Group B features South Africa, New Zealand, Pakistan, and Samoa. Group C comprises Australia, Bangladesh, Nigeria, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Group D includes England, Sri Lanka, the United States of America, and Scotland.
The opening day on 21 January will host four matches across both countries. Hosts Bangladesh will face the UAE in the morning at Sylhet International Cricket Stadium, followed by Australia — runners-up at the previous edition — taking on Nigeria at the same venue in the afternoon. In Kathmandu, Sri Lanka will meet Scotland at Upper Mulpani International Cricket Ground, before England clash with the USA. Morning matches across the tournament begin at 9:30 am local time, with afternoon fixtures starting at 1:30 pm.
What the ICC Said
ICC CEO Sanjog Gupta described the tournament as a pivotal launchpad for emerging talent. "The ICC U19 World Cup is the stage that showcases the future of our sport and serves as the ultimate platform for young players to make the leap towards elite careers representing their countries. These future stars representing 16 teams will garner the world's attention and become relatable role models for many young girls playing the sport, serving inspiration for their continued cricket journeys," he said.
Gupta also pointed to the demographic profile of the co-hosts as a deliberate choice. "With deep passion for cricket and nearly 40% of the two countries' populations below the age of 20, they serve as the ideal hosts for one of the world's biggest youth sporting events," he added.
Venues and What to Watch
Matches will be staged across four venues: Bir Shrestha Shahid Flight Lieutenant Matiur Rahman Cricket Stadium in Chattogram, Sylhet International Cricket Stadium, TU International Cricket Stadium, and Upper Mulpani International Cricket Ground in Kathmandu. With India chasing a historic third consecutive title and co-hosts Bangladesh and Nepal eager to make an impression on home soil, the 2027 edition promises to be the most watched edition of the tournament yet.
Point of View
The federation is planting a flag in demographics that rival boards have largely ignored. India's presence as defending champions guarantees eyeballs, but the real story will be whether the tournament infrastructure and broadcast reach in Kathmandu and Sylhet can convert casual viewers into committed fans. The ICC has repeatedly talked about globalising women's cricket; this scheduling choice is one of its more credible follow-throughs.
NationPress
21 Oct 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
When and where is the ICC U19 Women's T20 World Cup 2027?
The 2027 ICC U19 Women's T20 World Cup runs from 21 January to 6 February 2027, co-hosted by Bangladesh and Nepal. Matches will be played at four venues across Chattogram, Sylhet, and Kathmandu.
Which group is India in and when do they play their first match?
India have been drawn in Group A alongside Ireland, the West Indies, and hosts Nepal. They begin their title defence on 22 January 2027 against the West Indies at TU International Cricket Stadium in Kathmandu.
Who are the defending champions at the U19 Women's T20 World Cup?
India are the two-time defending champions heading into the 2027 edition, making them the team to beat in the tournament.
What is the format of the 2027 U19 Women's T20 World Cup?
The tournament features four groups of four teams each in the group stage, running until 26 January. The top performers advance to a Super Six stage divided into two groups, with the top two from each group reaching the semi-finals on 4 February and the final on 6 February.
Why were Bangladesh and Nepal chosen as co-hosts?
ICC CEO Sanjog Gupta cited both nations' deep passion for cricket and the fact that nearly 40% of their combined populations are below the age of 20, describing them as ideal hosts for a major youth sporting event and consistent with the ICC's investment in the wider cricket ecosystem.
