The International Cricket Council (ICC) launched the expanded Women's T20 World Cup during a Captains' Carnival on London's Waterloo Bridge on Sunday, June 7, 2026.
The central London crossing was temporarily closed to traffic to host a grass cricket pitch where captains from all 12 competing nations played a promotional game.
The tournament runs from June 12 to July 5, featuring 33 matches across seven grounds in England and Wales, culminating in the final at Lord's in London.
This tenth edition is the largest yet, expanding from 10 to 12 teams. The Netherlands makes its competitive debut, while New Zealand enters as defending champions.
Australia is the most successful nation with six titles. India seeks its maiden T20 trophy after winning the 50-over World Cup last year.
Young participants and fans from host cities including Manchester, Leeds, Bristol, and Southampton joined the London ceremony for interactive games and street cricket.
The ICC also announced a female-led commentary panel featuring former World Cup winners, international captains, and prominent broadcasters.
The broadcasting team includes former winners Mel Jones, Julia Price, Stacy-Ann King, Isa Guha, and Ebony Rainford-Brent, alongside male commentators Matthew Hayden, Dinesh Karthik, and Carlos Brathwaite.
Additional insights will come from Nasser Hussain, Ian Bishop, Ian Smith, Mithali Raj, Tash Farrant, Anjum Chopra, Simon Doull, Veda Krishnamurthy, Sana Mir, Isobel Joyce, and Katey Martin.
The broadcast presentation is completed by Charles Dagnall, Natalie Germanos, Alan Wilkins, Laura McGoldrick, Jatin Sapru, Kass Naidoo, Raunak Kapoor, and Ali Mitchell.
ICC Chairman Jay Shah called the event a landmark moment for women's cricket and the most exciting ICC Women's T20 World Cup ever staged.
Shah explained the London street event aimed to generate public engagement across the UK before competitive play begins.
"This will help elevate the buzz and excitement around the event, providing the final boost to the anticipation for the tournament before the first ball is bowled on June 12 in Birmingham," Shah said.
The ICC leadership emphasized the expanded format aligns with strategic goals to diversify cricket participation globally.
"This event is another expression of the ICC's commitment and belief linked to the agenda of building a more inclusive, global game," Shah said.
Commentary team members expressed high expectations for the quality of play and the tournament's broader impact.
"This is the biggest ICC Women's T20 World Cup ever, and it feels like a real milestone for the game," said Mel Jones, former Australian cricketer.
Jones noted the comprehensive broadcast coverage would showcase the rapid competitive evolution of the international game to global audiences.
"This tournament is a fitting celebration of how far women's cricket has come, and through our broadcast, fans everywhere will experience the skill, drama and emotion that continue to drive the sport forward," Jones said.
Former players also pointed to rising competitive parity among the international squads entering the group stages.
"The depth of talent across the 12 competing teams is remarkable.
Wherever you look, there are world-class players capable of producing moments that can define a tournament, and I can't wait to share those moments with the world," said Mithali Raj, former India captain.
The growth of the sport has drawn significant attention from former men's international captains as well.
"The passion surrounding women's cricket, and the breadth of talent across the world, has never been stronger," said Nasser Hussain, former England captain.
Hussain noted the tournament would serve as a development catalyst for future athletes worldwide.
"The players taking the field this summer will help shape the future of the game and inspire the next generation to follow in their footsteps," Hussain said.
The tournament officially commences on Friday, June 12, with host nation England playing Sri Lanka at Edgbaston in Birmingham.
