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The International Cricket Council (ICC) has made a significant announcement for the future of women's cricket, introducing a Women's Champions Trophy as part of the Women's Future Tour Programme (FTP) for the period 2025-29. Sri Lanka will have the honor of hosting the inaugural edition of this prestigious tournament in June-July 2027. This move reflects the ICC's commitment to promoting and popularizing women's cricket globally, aiming to introduce one women's global tournament every year.
The introduction of the Champions Trophy signifies a substantial boost for the women's game, adding another major event to the already packed calendar. It will join forces with the existing T20 World Cup, scheduled for September 2028, and the Los Angeles Olympics, slated for August 2028, creating a vibrant and competitive landscape for women's cricket. In total, the next five years will witness five global events for women's cricket, including the T20 World Cups in 2026 and 2028, and two ODI World Cups in 2025 and 2029.
The announcement follows the recent conclusion of the T20 World Cup in the United Arab Emirates, where Sophie Devine's New Zealand emerged victorious after defeating Laura Wolvaardt's South Africa in a thrilling final. With the next Women's ODI World Cup set to be hosted by India next year, the stage is set for a thrilling period of women's international cricket.
The ICC's commitment to women's cricket extends beyond the global tournaments, with a significant focus on Women's Tests. The 2025-29 FTP cycle will feature 15 Women's Tests. India will play three Tests in 2026 against Australia, England, and South Africa. Notably, the West Indies will return to Test cricket after a hiatus since 2004, facing Australia (March-April 2026), England (April-May 2027), and South Africa (November-December 2028). Their return to Test cricket is a welcome development for the women's game, especially considering their limited participation with only 12 Women's Tests played since their debut in 2003-04.
The ICC has also announced the launch of the Women's Premier League, which will take place in January-February starting from 2026. This league promises to be a game-changer for women's cricket, providing a platform for professional athletes and fostering a strong domestic structure. In a further boost for women's cricket, Zimbabwe has been included as a member in the Women's ODI Championship, increasing the number of participating teams from 10 to 11. This expansion signifies a growing commitment to providing opportunities and representation for women's cricket across the globe.
Despite the positive developments, the ICC has not scheduled any bilateral series between India and Pakistan in the new FTP. This means that fans will only be able to witness these two cricketing giants clash in ICC events. The ICC's focus on increasing women's cricket participation and global events promises a bright future for the sport. The introduction of the Women's Champions Trophy, the return of the West Indies to Test cricket, the launch of the Women's Premier League, and the inclusion of Zimbabwe in the ODI Championship represent significant strides towards building a more inclusive and competitive landscape for women's cricket.
Source: ICC introduces Women's Champions Trophy, Sri Lanka to host first edition in 2027