During a recent media briefing, ICC Chief Executive Geoff Allardice expressed his enthusiasm for the upcoming Women’s T20 World Cup in the UAE, highlighting the country’s unique diversity. He noted that this rich multicultural environment makes the event feel like a home tournament for all participating nations, as fans from across the globe will be cheering their teams on. “The UAE really embodies the whole world,” Allardice stated, underscoring the immense support players can expect. He also revealed exciting news for spectators, announcing that tickets will be available for as low as five dirhams, with free admission for those under 18.
The Women’s T20 World Cup will feature ten teams divided into two groups, battling it out across 23 matches over 18 days, starting on October 3. The tournament’s format will see each team in a group play against the other four, with the top two teams from each group advancing to the semi-finals.
Group A will include defending champions Australia, along with India, New Zealand, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka. Meanwhile, Group B will see Bangladesh, England, South Africa, West Indies, and Scotland competing. The 20 league matches will take place at two key venues: Dubai and Sharjah. The opening match is scheduled for October 3 in Sharjah, where Bangladesh will face off against Scotland.
The semi-finals are planned for October 17 in Dubai and October 18 in Sharjah, with the much-anticipated final set to take place in Dubai on October 20. Before the tournament officially begins, teams will participate in warm-up games between September 28 and October 1, giving them time to fine-tune their strategies and preparations.
The ICC’s decision to make tickets affordable and offer free entry for younger fans reflects their goal of making cricket accessible to a broader audience. This approach aims to foster an inclusive, family-friendly environment while promoting the growth of the sport on a global scale. By bringing people together through the excitement of the Women’s T20 World Cup, the ICC hopes to leave a lasting impact on cricket lovers of all ages.