The ECB are attempting to build a legacy from this year’s T20 World Cup, with some of the aims including the bid to attract 500,000 women and girls to play cricket in 2026, 300 women to take up key leadership roles within the game’s administration, and 500 Champions of Change created as part of the Young Cricket Collective, which will empower young girls to volunteer and make change at their local cricket clubs.
Previous World Cup winners Alex Hartley, Lydia Greenway and Jess Jonassen and Hampshire Cricket women’s captain Georgia Adams and Gloucestershire CCC’s women’s captain Liv Daniel also joined school events in ICC Women’s T20 World Cup host cities on Thursday as excitement builds towards the tournament opener between England and Sri Lanka in Birmingham on June 12.
“It is fantastic to see the excitement building across the UK ahead of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026. Schools Cricket Day, marking 50 days to go, has brought thousands of children into the game, many of whom may be taking their very first steps in cricket today,” ICC Chairman Jay Shah said.
“Expanding this year’s tournament from 10 to 12 teams reflects our commitment to growing the women’s game globally and creating more opportunities for players and fans alike.
“We look forward to welcoming these young participants and their families to the stadiums this summer, where they can watch their heroes and be inspired to dream bigger.”
