RICHARD GOULD heralded next year’s T20 World Cup as the “biggest women’s cricket event ever staged in England and Wales” as the seven venues for the tournament were revealed today.

Set to run from June 12 to July 5 2026, the 10th edition of the biennial tournament will take in Lord’s, the Oval, Old Trafford, Edgbaston, the Rose Bowl, Headingley and Bristol.

Lord’s will showcase the final, as the famed home of cricket did when England memorably won the 2017 50-over World Cup on home soil, but Gould has promised an even bigger occasion this time around.

The England and Wales Cricket Board chief executive said: “This will be the biggest women’s cricket event ever staged in England and Wales and is undoubtedly an opportunity to take the game to more people than ever before and welcome in new fans – young and old.

“Crucially, this isn’t just about scale, it’s about providing a world-class experience for players, fans and broadcasters alike, ensuring that the tournament reflects the elite performance of the players on the pitch.

“We want this competition to be part of a long-term movement, and not just a single moment in time. This World Cup will grow a new generation of fans who didn’t grow up with women’s cricket but will never imagine sport without it.”

There will be 12 teams vying for the title in England, awarded hosting rights in 2022, up from 10 when New Zealand were crowned T20 champions for the first time last October in the United Arab Emirates.

Eight countries are already certain of their place for a competition where 33 matches are scheduled to be held, while a qualifier will be carried out next year to determine the final four participants.

The teams are set to be separated into two groups of six before a knockout stage, which will be confirmed at a later date.

International Cricket Council chair Jay Shah said: “This tournament will bring together the world’s finest players in a celebration of skill, spirit and sportsmanship.

“The United Kingdom’s rich diversity has always shown passionate support for all teams, something we witnessed so memorably at past events.

“The sell-out Women’s Cricket World Cup final at Lord’s in 2017 remains a landmark in the rise of the women’s game, and I cannot think of a more fitting stage for the final.

“As we turn our focus to preparing for the tournament, we are excited by the promise of thrilling T20 action that will not only captivate fans here but also serve as a showcase for cricket’s return on the Olympic stage in Los Angeles 2028.”