You've probably seen the headlines. Women's cricket isn't just "growing"—it has officially arrived. But if you’re trying to pin down the women's cricket world cup schedule, things get a little confusing. We just came off an emotional high from the 2025 ODI World Cup in India and Sri Lanka, where India finally broke the curse to lift their first-ever title. Now, the calendar is shifting gears.
The focus has moved toward England. Specifically, June 2026.
Honestly, the way these tournaments are stacked back-to-back can make your head spin. We’re currently in a window where the 50-over game is handing the baton to the T20 format. If you're looking for where to be and when to tune in, you need to look at the 2026 T20 World Cup path. It's basically the next mountain to climb for Harmanpreet Kaur’s history-making squad.
The 2026 T20 World Cup: Everything we know so far
The 10th edition of the ICC Women's T20 World Cup is heading to England and Wales. It’s a big deal. Why? Because it’s expanding. We’re moving from 10 teams to 12. More teams means more matches, more upsets, and a much more crowded schedule.
The tournament officially kicks off on June 12, 2026.
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The opening match is set for Edgbaston, featuring the hosts, England, taking on Sri Lanka. If you've ever been to a game in Birmingham, you know the atmosphere is going to be electric. England is hungry. They watched India celebrate in late 2025 and they want that feeling back on home soil.
Key Dates for Your Calendar
- June 12, 2026: Opening Match (England vs. Sri Lanka) at Edgbaston.
- June 14, 2026: The Big One. India vs. Pakistan at Edgbaston. This is the match that stops the world, even in the middle of a Birmingham summer.
- June 30 & July 2, 2026: Semi-finals at The Oval, London.
- July 5, 2026: The Grand Final at Lord's.
It’s kind of poetic, right? Ending a world-class tournament at the Home of Cricket. Lord's hasn't hosted a women's final of this magnitude since that 2017 classic where Anya Shrubsole broke Indian hearts.
Looking back to understand the future
To understand the current women's cricket world cup schedule, you have to look at what just happened in late 2025. The 50-over World Cup was a total whirlwind. It ran from September 30 to November 2, 2025. India co-hosted with Sri Lanka in a "hybrid model" because of the political complexities surrounding Pakistan’s travel.
India was incredible. They didn't just win; they dominated.
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They beat South Africa in the final at Navi Mumbai’s DY Patil Stadium. Before that, they knocked out the giants—Australia—in a semi-final that people are still talking about. That win was huge because Australia had been the "benchmark" for so long. Seeing them fall made everyone realize the gap has closed.
Why the venues matter this time
In 2026, the ICC is spreading the love across the UK. It’s not just London. We’re talking:
- Edgbaston (Birmingham)
- Old Trafford (Manchester)
- Headingley (Leeds)
- Bristol County Ground
- Hampshire Bowl (Southampton)
- The Oval (London)
- Lord's (London)
Each ground has a different vibe. Headingley is usually a graveyard for bowlers if the sun is out, while the Hampshire Bowl can be a bit more "nippy" under the lights. For teams like New Zealand or South Africa, who rely on pace and swing, these conditions might actually favor them more than the dusty turners they faced in India and Sri Lanka.
The "Group of Death" Reality
Group 1 for 2026 is already looking terrifying. It features Australia, South Africa, India, and Pakistan, plus two qualifiers. Basically, two of the top four teams in the world won't even make it out of the group stage.
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That's the brutal part of the women's cricket world cup schedule. There’s zero room for a "slow start." If you lose your opening game in a group like that, you’re basically playing knockout cricket for the rest of the month.
What about the other teams?
Group 2 is a bit more open, headlined by England, New Zealand, the West Indies, and Sri Lanka. Sri Lanka is the team to watch here. They've been giant-killers lately, and with Chamari Athapaththu leading them, they don't fear anyone anymore.
How to actually watch the matches
If you’re in India, the rights generally sit with the Star Sports Network and JioHotstar (now merged into the new entity). For those in the UK, Sky Sports has the monopoly on every single ball.
Most games are scheduled for 3:00 PM, 7:00 PM, or 11:00 PM IST depending on the venue and time zone. It’s a bit of a late-night commitment for fans in the subcontinent, but honestly, for a World Cup, sleep is optional.
Actionable Steps for Cricket Fans
If you're planning to follow the 2026 cycle, don't wait until June to get sorted.
- Check Ticket Ballots Early: The ECB (England and Wales Cricket Board) usually opens ballots for Lord’s and Edgbaston months in advance. Given the growth of the game, the final will sell out fast.
- Sync Your Calendar: Use the official ICC app to "Save the Fixtures." It automatically adjusts for your local time zone so you don't miss the toss.
- Watch the Qualifiers: The final four spots for the 12-team 2026 tournament aren't decided yet. Keep an eye on the ICC Women's T20 World Cup Qualifier matches happening in early 2026. Teams like Ireland and the West Indies often have to fight through these, and the drama is often just as high as the main event.
- Follow the FTP: The Future Tours Programme (FTP) is your secret weapon. It lists all the bilateral series leading up to the World Cup. If you want to know who is in form, watch the "away" tours England and India are doing in early 2026.
The landscape of women's cricket is moving faster than ever. Stay updated on the venues, keep an eye on the injury reports, and get ready for a summer in England that will likely redefine the sport once again.