The International Cricket Council has officially unveiled the schedule for the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026, confirming a high-voltage India vs Pakistan clash in the group stage.
The tournament will be hosted in England from 12 June to 5 July, with the grand final scheduled at the iconic Lord’s Cricket Ground.
India will begin their campaign against arch-rivals Pakistan on 14 June at Edgbaston Cricket Ground. The fixture is expected to be one of the most-watched matches of the tournament, given the history and intensity associated with this rivalry in ICC events.
This will be the 10th edition of the Women’s T20 World Cup and the first to feature 12 teams, marking a significant expansion in global participation.
Defending champions New Zealand will open their title defence against West Indies, while six-time champions Australia start their campaign against South Africa. Hosts England will face Sri Lanka in the opening match of the tournament.
India and Pakistan share a strong competitive history in Women’s T20 internationals. Out of 16 meetings, India has won 13 matches, showcasing their dominance in this rivalry. Their most recent T20 World Cup encounter ended in a convincing win for India, further strengthening their record on the global stage.
Group A consists of India, Pakistan, Australia, South Africa, Bangladesh, and the Netherlands. Meanwhile, Group B features England, New Zealand, Sri Lanka, West Indies, Ireland, and Scotland.
The Netherlands will be making its debut appearance after successfully progressing through the qualifiers.
The ICC has highlighted its continued commitment to expanding women’s cricket through increased investment, wider media coverage, and improved tournament standards. Recent global events have seen record-breaking viewership numbers, underlining the rapid growth of the women’s game.
With historic venues, an expanded team lineup, and marquee clashes, the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026 promises to elevate the competition to new heights. The India vs Pakistan encounter is set to headline the group stage and could play a defining role in shaping the tournament narrative.
