Dubai: The iconic Lord’s Cricket Ground will host the final of the expanded Women’s T20 World Cup on July 5 next year, the International Cricket Council announced on Thursday.
The 12-team tournament will begin on June 12 and feature 33 matches, culminating in a grand finale at Lord’s, which also hosted the final of the 2017 Women’s ODI World Cup.
In addition to Lord’s, six other venues will stage matches, including Old Trafford, Headingley, Edgbaston, The Oval, Hampshire Bowl, and the Bristol County Ground.
Lord’s, which was also the venue for the thrilling final of the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup between England and India in 2017, is one of seven venues confirmed for the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026, alongside Old Trafford Cricket Ground, Headingley, Edgbaston, Hampshire Bowl, The Oval and Bristol County Ground.
The tournament kicks off on June 12 before culminating at Lord’s, 33 fixtures and 24 days later, showcasing the best of the global women’s game and seeking to take women’s cricket into the mainstream.
An expanded competition will see 12 teams descend on England and Wales to compete for the prestigious trophy that is currently held by New Zealand.
The schedule of the tournament, which will see teams competing in two groups before the knockout stage, will be announced in due course.
Eight countries are already sure of their place, with the final four participants to be decided through a Women’s T20 World Cup Qualifier next year.
England and Wales were awarded hosting rights for the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026 in 2022, with the seven host venues selected subsequently following evaluation of various criteria.
The official launch of the tournament at Lord’s will feature some of the biggest names in British women’s sport, including England Head Coach Charlotte Edwards, England stars Tammy Beaumont, Sophia Dunkley, Sophie Ecclestone and Lauren Bell, and England rugby player Ellie Kildunne.
