Women's Premier League and Global Women's Cricket Calendar Set for Major Changes

The landscape of women's cricket is set for a significant transformation with the announcement of the new Future Tours Programme (FTP) for 2025-29. Key developments include the scheduling of the Women's Premier League (WPL) in January-February starting in 2026, dedicated windows for existing tournaments, and the introduction of new competitions.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has moved the WPL to its new slot, prompting Cricket Australia to adjust its summer fixtures. The shift will see Australia hosting its marquee home series in February-March to avoid a clash with the WPL. Consequently, the 2024-25 women’s Ashes, commencing on January 12, will be the last international series held in Australia during January until 2029.

In a noteworthy addition, the ICC Women’s ODI Championship will expand to 11 teams with the inclusion of Zimbabwe. This follows the earlier additions of Bangladesh and Ireland, ensuring that all ICC Full Members, except Afghanistan, which does not have a women's team, are part of the championship. Each team will compete against four nations at home and four away in a three-year cycle. Zimbabwe’s inaugural cycle will include hosting South Africa, West Indies, Ireland, and Sri Lanka, while touring India, New Zealand, Bangladesh, and Pakistan.

As expected, India and Pakistan will only meet in ICC tournaments rather than bilateral series during this FTP cycle. To prepare for ICC events, several teams will organize tri-series, including England hosting India and New Zealand in 2026, and Ireland welcoming Pakistan and the West Indies.

Adding to the excitement, the ICC has announced the introduction of a T20 Champions Trophy for women, set to take place in Sri Lanka in 2027. This tournament will feature six teams and encompass 16 matches, enhancing the global women's cricket calendar, which will now include five senior women's events within the FTP cycle. This includes two T20 World Cups (2026 and 2028), two ODI World Cups (2025 and 2029), and the new T20 Champions Trophy in 2027.

The ODI World Cup will expand from eight to ten teams, increasing the total matches from 31 to 48 starting in 2029, while the T20 World Cup will grow from 10 to 12 teams, with matches increasing from 23 to 33 starting in 2026.

Notably, West Indies will return to women's Test cricket for the first time in over 20 years, hosting Australia for a Test in March 2026 and facing England and South Africa in subsequent years. India will also participate in away Tests against Australia and South Africa, along with hosting series against England and Australia later in the cycle.

This new FTP marks a pivotal moment for women's cricket, promising increased visibility, competition, and opportunities for players worldwide. The FTP cycle will culminate with the ODI World Cup in 2029, with the host venue yet to be determined.