The International Cricket Council (ICC) has announced its 2025-29 Future Tours Programme (FTP) for women’s cricket, aiming to boost the sport’s visibility and streamline scheduling. A major update includes securing a dedicated January-February window for the Women’s Premier League (WPL) starting in 2026, allowing it to avoid overlap with other international leagues.
This shift is designed to prevent scheduling conflicts, enabling more international participation. For example, in 2024, the WPL’s schedule adjustment by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) led some overseas players to miss matches or withdraw mid-season due to national duties. The new FTP reduces these challenges by aligning global leagues to minimize conflicts: The Hundred will take place in August, and the Women’s Big Bash League (WBBL) is set for November.
ICC restructures women’s cricket calendar to support growth, adds annual global events
Adding to the expanded calendar, the ICC has introduced the T20 Champions Trophy, set to debut in 2027 in Sri Lanka. This tournament will feature all ICC Full members, except Afghanistan, which lacks a women’s national team. Alongside this new event, the ICC will hold at least one women’s global tournament annually, promoting consistent international competition.
In 2028, women’s cricket will experience a busy stretch, with the T20 Champions Trophy, the LA Olympics in August, and the T20 World Cup in September. The ICC’s efforts aim to establish a clear, sustainable schedule that supports the growth and global reach of women’s cricket.
