The International Cricket Council (ICC) has unveiled the complete schedule for the Women’s T20 World Cup 2026, with India and Pakistan set to renew their fierce rivalry in one of the tournament’s most anticipated group-stage encounters. Hosted by England and Wales, the competition will run from June 12 to July 5 and will feature 12 teams for the first time, making it the largest edition in the tournament’s history.
Expanded Tournament Marks New Era
The 2026 edition will feature 33 matches across seven iconic venues, including Lord’s, The Oval, Old Trafford, Headingley and Edgbaston. The tournament will begin with hosts England taking on Sri Lanka at Edgbaston on June 12, while the final is scheduled to be played at the historic Lord’s Cricket Ground on July 5. The expansion from 10 to 12 teams reflects the growing popularity and global reach of women’s cricket.
India Drawn in Challenging Group
India have been placed in a highly competitive Group A alongside Pakistan, Australia, South Africa and two qualifying teams. The Women in Blue will launch their campaign against arch-rivals Pakistan on June 14 in a match expected to attract massive global viewership. The fixture is already being viewed as one of the marquee contests of the tournament due to the historic rivalry between the two cricketing nations.
Road to the Knockouts
The tournament format consists of two groups of six teams each. Every team will play five group-stage matches, with the top two sides from each group advancing to the semi-finals. Group B features hosts England, Sri Lanka, West Indies, New Zealand and two qualifying teams, setting the stage for several high-profile contests throughout the competition.
Women’s Cricket Continues Global Rise
The announcement comes amid growing momentum for women’s cricket worldwide. The ICC recently reported record-breaking attendance, viewership and digital engagement during the opening stages of the 2026 Women’s T20 World Cup, highlighting the sport’s increasing popularity among fans across continents. As preparations gather pace, the India-Pakistan showdown is expected to be one of the defining moments of a tournament poised to set new benchmarks for women’s cricket.
