ICC Announces Schedule for First Women's T20I Challenge Trophy in Rwanda
Synopsis
The ICC has announced the schedule for the inaugural Women's T20I Challenge Trophy in Rwanda, running from April 19 to May 2. This event aims to enhance opportunities for Associate Member teams in international cricket.
Key Takeaways
Inaugural Women's T20I Challenge Trophy in Rwanda from April 19 to May 2.
Hosted at Gahanga Cricket Stadium in Kigali.
Five teams competing, including Nepal and USA .
Double round-robin format ensures high-quality matches.
Part of ICC's initiative to strengthen women's cricket globally.
New Delhi, April 17 (NationPress) The International Cricket Council (ICC) has unveiled the schedule for the first-ever Women's T20I Challenge Trophy, set to take place in Rwanda. This exciting tournament kicks off on April 19 and runs until May 2.
This inaugural event will be hosted in Kigali, at the Gahanga Cricket Stadium, which features two adjacent grounds for the matches.
The schedule indicates that on the opening day, Italy will face off against the host nation, Rwanda, while Nepal will compete against the USA. Vanuatu will have a bye on the first day, returning to action against Rwanda on April 19.
This tournament is a pioneering initiative by the ICC, aimed at increasing visibility for Associate Member teams. It complements the Emerging Nations Trophy, which had its inaugural edition last November, as part of the ICC's mission to broaden opportunities in international cricket.
The competition features the leading team from each of the ICC’s five regions that did not qualify for the Emerging Nations Trophy. Each of the five teams earned their positions through their performances in the 2025 regional Women’s T20 World Cup Qualifiers.
Played in a double round-robin format, this tournament concludes on May 2 and seeks to offer consistent, high-level match experiences. This initiative is part of the ICC’s larger strategy to fortify the global women’s game and equip emerging teams to compete against more established sides.
The event also aligns with the expansion plans for the Women’s T20 World Cup, set to grow from 10 to 12 teams in 2026, with future plans to expand to 16 teams by 2030.
Nepal and the USA are entering the tournament as formidable contenders, having both participated in the latest Global Qualifier earlier this year.
Nepal, ranked 21st in the ICC Women’s T20I Team Rankings, is the highest-ranked team in the competition.
On the other hand, Vanuatu, currently positioned at 30th, clinched their spot following a commendable performance in the East Asia-Pacific Qualifier held in Fiji last year, where they impressively overcame the 20th-ranked Indonesia.
Schedule
April 18
Rwanda vs Italy
Nepal vs USA
April 19
Rwanda vs Vanuatu
Italy vs Nepal
April 21
Rwanda vs USA
Vanuatu vs Italy
April 22
Rwanda vs Nepal
USA vs Vanuatu
April 24
Nepal vs Vanuatu
Italy vs USA
April 26
Rwanda vs Vanuatu
USA vs Nepal
April 27
Rwanda vs Italy
USA vs Vanuatu
April 28
Rwanda vs Nepal
Italy vs Vanuatu
May 3
Italy vs USA
Nepal vs Vanuatu
May 1
Rwanda vs USA
Italy vs Nepal
Point of View
Especially for Associate Member teams. It underscores the ICC's commitment to expanding opportunities and elevating the standard of women's cricket worldwide.
NationPress
5 Jul 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
When does the Women's T20I Challenge Trophy start?
The tournament begins on April 19 and concludes on May 2.
Where will the matches be held?
The matches will take place in Kigali, Rwanda, at Gahanga Cricket Stadium.
How many teams are participating?
Five teams are participating in the inaugural tournament.
What format will the tournament follow?
The tournament will be played in a double round-robin format.
Why is this tournament important?
It aims to provide greater exposure for Associate Member teams in international cricket.
