ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026 warm-up venues announced

The warm-up fixtures for the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026 will be staged across three venues in England and Wales - Sophia Gardens in Cardiff, the County Ground in Derby, and Loughborough University - the ICC confirmed on Thursday.

These matches will precede the tournament’s start on June 12, with the full warm-up schedule to be announced at a later date.

The 2026 edition of the Women’s T20 World Cup has been expanded to 12 teams and will follow a group stage and knockout format.

A total of 33 matches will be played across seven venues: Lord’s, Old Trafford, Headingley, Edgbaston, The Oval, Hampshire Bowl and Bristol County Ground. The final is scheduled to take place at Lord’s on July 5.

Eight teams have already secured qualification. Hosts England are joined by Australia, India, New Zealand, South Africa and West Indies - the top five sides from the previous edition, excluding the host.

Pakistan and Sri Lanka qualified through the ICC rankings, while four more T20 cricket teams will earn their spots via the Women’s T20 World Cup Qualifier next year.

Australia are the most successful team in the tournament’s history with six titles (2010, 2012, 2014, 2018, 2020, 2023). England (2009), West Indies (2016) and reigning champions New Zealand (2024) have one title each.

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