Pakistan will host England, New Zealand, and Zimbabwe women’s cricket teams for the first time between 2026 and 2028, as part of the ICC Future Tours Programme. This includes the ICC Women’s Championship 2026-29, where 11 teams will compete for a spot in the 2029 Women’s World Cup. The series aims to enhance the global profile of women’s cricket and provide competitive opportunities for participating teams.
Pakistan is set to host the women’s cricket teams from England, New Zealand, and Zimbabwe for the first time as part of the ICC Future Tours Programme spanning from 2025 to 2029. The sequence of tours is as follows: Zimbabwe will arrive in April/May 2026, followed by New Zealand in April 2027, with England concluding the series in October 2027. This marks a significant milestone for Pakistan in hosting international women’s teams. The fourth cycle of the ICC Women’s Championship from 2026 to 2029 will include eleven participating teams, offering direct qualification for the 2029 ICC Women’s World Cup. Notably, this will be Zimbabwe’s inaugural participation in the championship. The tournament format will consist of each team facing eight others through four home and four away series, mirroring the current structure. A total of 132 ODIs will be played across 44 series. Additionally, Bangladesh is scheduled to visit Pakistan in October 2028. Pakistan will also undertake away tours, which will include South Africa in February 2026, Sri Lanka in July 2026, West Indies in November 2026, and Ireland in June 2028. The upcoming ICC women’s tournaments, including the Women’s Cricket World Cup in 2025, the T20 World Cup in 2026, and the inaugural Champions Trophy in 2027, are part of an exciting framework aimed at promoting women’s cricket globally. To enhance their readiness for these events, a series of tri-nation tournaments have been arranged. Notably, prior to the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026, Ireland will host Pakistan alongside the West Indies, providing crucial competitive experience for all teams involved.
The ICC Women’s Championship is a pivotal tournament that facilitates the competitive landscape for women’s cricket, providing vital opportunities for teams to showcase their talent and gain qualification for World Cups. The forthcoming Future Tours Programme signals a proactive effort to integrate more teams into the international arena, fostering growth and participation in women’s cricket. Pakistan’s initiative to host multiple teams demonstrates the country’s commitment to developing cricket at all levels, while also expanding its appeal to audiences worldwide.
In summary, Pakistan’s upcoming tours involving England, New Zealand, and Zimbabwe’s women’s cricket teams represent a significant development in women’s sports. This initiative not only promotes the growth of women’s cricket within Pakistan but also enhances the international stature of the game. With the ICC Women’s Championship paving the way for increased competition, the framework established will undoubtedly contribute to the advancement and visibility of women’s cricket on a global scale.
Original Source: dunyanews.tv