In a significant move toward gender equity, the International Cricket Council (ICC) has confirmed the expansion of the Women’s T20 World Cup to 16 teams starting from the 2030 edition. This expansion aligns with the ICC’s ongoing commitment to promoting equality between men’s and women’s cricket.
History of Women’s T20 World Cup
The Women’s T20 World Cup began with eight teams in its inaugural edition in 2009. Over the years, participation has steadily increased, with 10 teams competing in the 2016 edition. The upcoming 2026 tournament, set to take place in England, will feature 12 teams. By 2030, the Women’s T20 World Cup will embrace 16 teams, providing more opportunities for nations to showcase their talent on the global stage.
The decision to expand reflects the ICC’s commitment to gender parity. It ensures that women’s cricket receives the same level of attention and investment as the men’s game. By allowing more teams to participate, the ICC aims to foster greater inclusivity and provide a platform for emerging cricketing nations.
The qualification cut-off date for the 2026 edition is October 31, 2024. Teams will compete in regional qualifiers to secure their spots in the Women’s T20 World Cup.
The allocation of qualifying spots includes:
Two teams each from Africa and Europe. One team from the Americas. Three teams from a combined Asia and East Asia-Pacific (EAP) regional final. This revised structure ensures fair representation across different cricketing regions.
Cricket enthusiasts eagerly await the 2024 Women’s T20 World Cup, which will illuminate Bangladesh with thrilling matches and fierce competition. The expanded format promises more intense clashes, greater diversity, and a celebration of women’s cricket worldwide.
The ICC Women’s #T20WorldCup will expand to 16 teams for the 2030 edition of the tournament 🙌
Details 👇https://t.co/f9imklSsBB
— ICC (@ICC) July 23, 2024
The ICC has formally put USA Cricket and Cricket Chile on notice. These boards have 12 months to address their non-compliance with ICC Membership Criteria, specifically related to governance and administrative structures. The ICC remains committed to maintaining high standards across all member nations.
The expansion of the Women’s T20 World Cup to 16 teams represents a pivotal moment in cricket history. It amplifies the voices of female athletes, promotes gender equality, and ensures that the excitement of T20 cricket reaches new corners of the globe. As the tournament evolves, fans can look forward to witnessing remarkable performances and celebrating the spirit of the game across diverse cultures and nations.
 has confirmed the expansion of the Women’s T20 World Cup to 16 teams starting from the 2030 edition. This expansion aligns with the ICC’s ongoing commitment to promoting equality between men’s and women’s cricket.){kind=link}