The International Cricket Council (ICC) has announced a significant scheduling change for the inaugural Women’s Champions Trophy, bringing the tournament forward to February 2027. Originally planned for the June-July window, the competition will now be held from February 14 to 28, 2027, following discussions at the ICC Board meeting in Ahmedabad.
While the ICC has not provided an official explanation for the revised schedule, the move is expected to have implications for international cricket calendars. The tournament, first unveiled in 2022, will be played in the T20 format and marks another major step in the expansion of women’s cricket on the global stage.
Speaking after the board meeting, ICC Chairman Jay Shah highlighted the governing body’s commitment to growing the game worldwide. He emphasised that the discussions focused on strengthening governance, supporting emerging cricket nations, enhancing women’s cricket, and ensuring the sport remains competitive and engaging for fans worldwide.
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The rescheduled tournament is set to partially overlap with New Zealand Women’s tour of Australia, which is scheduled from February 27 to March 7, 2027. The series includes six white-ball matches, and reports suggest Cricket Australia is evaluating potential options after being informed of the scheduling adjustment.
The ICC has moved the window of the inaugural Women’s Champions Trophy, to be played in Sri Lanka in 2027, from June-July to a fortnight in February 2027 https://t.co/ehLntebL4N
— ESPNcricinfo (@ESPNcricinfo) June 1, 2026
The ICC also confirmed the launch of the Women’s Emerging Nations Trophy in 2026. The pilot event will feature 10 teams, including five Full Members and five Associate Members selected through rankings and previous Women’s T20 World Cup qualification pathways. The initiative aims to provide greater exposure and competitive opportunities for developing cricket nations.
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In another key decision, the ICC Board approved the qualification structure for the Women’s T20 World Cup 2028, which will be hosted by Pakistan. The tournament will feature 12 teams, with 10 sides qualifying automatically. As per the agreed hybrid arrangement, India’s matches will be played at a neutral venue. The remaining two spots will be decided through a 10-team global qualifying tournament, ensuring broader international participation.
