This announcement was made by the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) on May 1. It will be the third consecutive ICC World Cup held in England to feature its final at this historic venue. The last women’s World Cup hosted by England, the 50-over format in 2017, culminated at Lord’s, as did the men’s ODI World Cup in 2019. Interestingly, England emerged as the champions in both instances.
In addition to Lord’s, six other stadiums have been designated for the tournament. Old Trafford, Headingley, Edgbaston, Hampshire Bowl, The Oval, and Bristol County Ground will join Lord’s as hosts of the 2026 women’s T20 World Cup. The tournament, which will include 12 teams, kicks off on June 12, with the final scheduled for July 5. A total of 30 group matches will be conducted, divided into two groups of six teams each.
Jay Shah expressed for the 2026 women’s T20 World Cup
ICC Chair Jay Shah expressed his confidence in the ECB to execute a successful tournament and hoped that England’s storied cricket history would enhance the World Cup’s profile. He regarded Lord’s as an undeniable choice for hosting the final.
“The venue announcements represent a pivotal moment as we prepare for the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026. This event will bring together the top players globally, showcasing their talents, spirit, and sportsmanship,” Shah stated.
“The UK’s rich diversity has consistently demonstrated enthusiastic support for all teams, as we have seen so vividly in previous events. The sold-out Women’s Cricket World Cup final at Lord’s in 2017 marked a significant milestone in the growth of women’s cricket, and I can’t think of a more appropriate venue for the final.
“As we shift our focus to the tournament preparations, we eagerly anticipate thrilling T20 matches that will not only engage local fans but also highlight cricket’s return to the Olympic arena in Los Angeles 2028.”
Richard Gould, the ECB’s Chief Executive Officer, expressed optimism about hosting what he referred to as the ‘largest women’s cricket event in the country.’ The stakes are significant, and so is the challenge of effectively organizing this major tournament. Gould acknowledges that the task ahead is formidable, but he remains positive about the journey.
“We are incredibly excited for the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026 and are delighted to officially confirm the seven iconic venues that will host the tournament,” Gould said in the ECB statement.
“Announcing that the final will be at Lord’s is particularly special. It is one of the premier venues in international cricket, and every cricketer aspires to participate in a World Cup final at this location.
“This will be the largest women’s cricket event ever held in England and Wales and presents an opportunity to introduce the sport to more people than ever, welcoming new fans of all ages.
“Importantly, this isn’t solely about scale but about delivering a world-class experience for players, fans, and broadcasters, ensuring the tournament reflects the elite performance of athletes on the field.
“Our aim is for this competition to be part of a long-term initiative, rather than just a fleeting moment. This World Cup will cultivate a new generation of fans who may not have grown up watching women’s cricket but will come to see sport as incomplete without it.”