The International Cricket Council (ICC) has announced a major expansion in women’s cricket tournaments following the record-breaking success of the recent Women’s World Cup in India. The next Women’s ODI World Cup in 2029 will feature 10 teams, an increase from the traditional eight-team format that has been in place since the tournament’s inception in 2000.
The ICC confirmed that the 2029 Women’s ODI World Cup will also have an expanded schedule, with 48 matches to be played—up from 31 games in the 2025 edition. The decision reflects the growing popularity and global following of women’s cricket, highlighted by unprecedented attendance and viewership numbers in India.
According to the ICC, “Nearly 300,000 fans watched the event in stadia, breaking the record for tournament attendance for any women’s cricket event.” The release also noted that television and digital audiences soared, with nearly 500 million viewers in India tuning in to watch the matches.
ICC Expands Women’s T20 World Cup to 12 Teams
In another major development, the 2026 Women’s T20 World Cup will feature 12 teams, two more than in previous editions. The expansion aims to provide more nations with an opportunity to compete at the highest level and further strengthen the global footprint of women’s cricket. New Zealand, the current T20 World Cup champions, will be eager to defend their title as competition intensifies.
Cricket in the Olympics: ICC Eyes 2028 and 2032 Games
The ICC also announced that cricket will return to the Olympics at the 2028 Los Angeles Games, with a total of 28 teams participating across men’s and women’s events. Each competition will feature six teams, comprising the top-ranked sides from five regions, according to ESPNCricinfo.
Looking ahead, ICC CEO Sanjog Gupta has begun discussions for the inclusion of cricket in the 2032 Brisbane Olympics, signaling the sport’s growing global appeal and its potential for further expansion on the world stage.
With rising popularity, record-breaking attendance, and broader international participation, women’s cricket is entering a new era of growth and recognition—both within the ICC tournaments and on the Olympic stage.
