ICC chairman Jay Shah on 7 June extended his best wishes to all 12 participating teams ahead of the ICC Women's T20 World Cup 2026, calling it the most expansive edition in the tournament's history. The event, hosted across England and Wales, begins on 12 June and runs through to a Lord's final on 5 July.

Shah's Message to the Teams

Taking to X ahead of the tournament opener, Shah underscored the scale of the competition. 'Wishing all 12 teams the very best for the biggest ICC Women's T20 World Cup ever! With iconic venues across England and Wales set to experience record-breaking attendance and the widest-ever global broadcast for a women's event, we're set for an unforgettable tournament which brings together millions of fans and the best athletes in the world,' he posted.

The message signals the ICC's intent to use this edition as a landmark moment for women's cricket's global expansion — particularly notable given the event's return to England for the first time since the inaugural 2009 tournament.

A Record-Breaking Edition

The 10th edition of the Women's T20 World Cup features a record 12 teams — up from 10 in previous editions — playing 33 matches across seven venues. Iconic grounds including Lord's, Old Trafford, Headingley, Edgbaston, The Oval, County Ground Bristol, and Utilita Bowl will host the action. Warm-up fixtures began on 6 June in Derby, Loughborough, and Cardiff.

The Netherlands Women's Cricket Team will make their Women's T20 World Cup debut, reflecting women's cricket's growing footprint across Europe. Bangladesh, Ireland, and Scotland also qualified through the ICC Women's T20 World Cup Global Qualifier.

Group Stage Draw and Format

The 12 teams are split into two groups. Group A comprises Australia, Bangladesh, India, Netherlands, Pakistan, and South Africa. Group B features England, Ireland, New Zealand, Scotland, Sri Lanka, and West Indies. Each side plays five group-stage matches, with the top two from each group advancing to the semi-finals.

The semi-finals are scheduled at The Oval on 30 June and 2 July, before the final at Lord's on 5 July.

Title Contenders and Tournament History

Defending champions New Zealand — only the fourth nation to win the trophy — claimed their maiden title in the UAE in 2024. Australia remain the most successful side in the competition's history, having won six championships. England, New Zealand, and the West Indies have each lifted the trophy once.

Hosts England carry strong motivation, aiming to replicate their 2009 triumph — their only Women's T20 World Cup title — under head coach Charlotte Edwards, who captained that winning side. England are further buoyed by their Women's ODI World Cup victory at home in 2017.

What to Watch

With the widest-ever broadcast reach for a women's cricket event and record crowds projected, this tournament is set to test whether the ICC can convert growing global interest into a sustained audience. India's presence in Group A alongside Australia and South Africa makes for a highly competitive opening stage, and their matches are expected to draw significant viewership. The final at Lord's on 5 July will mark a historic milestone for the women's game.