International Cricket Council (ICC) Chairman Jay Shah extended his best wishes to all 12 participating nations as the ICC Women's T20 World Cup 2026 officially got underway on Friday, 12 June, with co-hosts England taking on Sri Lanka at Edgbaston, Birmingham. The 10th edition of the tournament, hosted by the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB), will feature 33 matches across seven venues in England, culminating in a final on 6 July.

Jay Shah's Message to Teams

In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Shah wrote: 'As the ICC Women's T20 World Cup begins, I extend my best wishes to all 12 participating teams. Your commitment, talent, and determination continue to inspire fans and pave the way for future generations. May this tournament showcase the very best of women's cricket and take the sport to even greater heights.'

Shah praised the players' dedication, saying their performances would inspire fans for generations to come — a sentiment that reflects the ICC's broader push to grow the women's game globally.

Defending Champions New Zealand Eye Back-to-Back Titles

Defending champions New Zealand, who claimed their maiden Women's T20 World Cup title in the UAE in 2024, enter the competition as one of the favourites. Led by star all-rounder Melia Kerr, the White Ferns open their campaign against West Indies in the fourth match of the tournament at the Rose Bowl on Saturday. The Caribbean side, captained by Hayley Matthews, will be looking to recover from a 3-0 T20I series defeat to England earlier this year and will be eager to cause an upset against the reigning champions.

Australia and South Africa Set for Group 1 Opener

Six-time champions Australia — the most successful side in the tournament's history and currently the world's top-ranked T20I team — begin their campaign against South Africa at Old Trafford on Saturday. The Australians take the field under new captain Sophie Molineux, marking a fresh leadership chapter for the dominant side.

South Africa, ranked fifth in the T20I format, are captained once again by Laura Wolvaardt — her second consecutive T20 World Cup at the helm. The Proteas arrive with growing momentum and will be looking to challenge one of the game's most formidable outfits from the outset.

Tournament Format and History

England previously hosted the inaugural Women's T20 World Cup in 2009, making this a homecoming of sorts for the format. The 2026 edition expands the field to 12 teams competing across seven venues, with the final scheduled at a marquee English ground on 6 July. Notably, this is the first time the ECB has hosted the event since its inception, underlining England's central role in the growth of women's cricket.

With powerhouses like Australia, defending champions New Zealand, and a resurgent South Africa all in the mix, the tournament is shaping up to be the most competitive edition yet. All eyes will be on whether New Zealand can become the first side to successfully defend the Women's T20 World Cup crown.