The International Cricket Council (ICC) recently unveiled its 2025-2029 Future Tours Programme (FTP), which lays out the path for the fourth edition of the ICC Women’s Championship. This new cycle brings exciting changes, expanded participation, and a packed schedule that will elevate women’s cricket on the international stage.
Image Credit: ICC/X
Expanding the Women’s Championship: Zimbabwe’s Debut and Increased Global Reach
One of the most notable changes in this new cycle is the expansion of the ICC Women’s Championship to include 11 teams. This is a significant increase from the current 10-team setup and introduces Zimbabwe to the tournament, marking the first time they will participate in this prestigious competition. Zimbabwe’s inclusion is a remarkable step toward enhancing global representation, allowing the team to compete at the highest level and bringing more diversity to women’s cricket.
For Zimbabwe and other emerging cricket nations, participation in the ICC Women’s Championship provides invaluable experience and exposure on the international stage. It’s an opportunity to test their skills against the world’s best teams, improve their competitiveness, and inspire future generations of female cricketers in their country.
The Structure of the ICC Women’s Championship: A Tested Format with Broader Reach
The upcoming ICC Women’s Championship cycle will continue with the format that has worked well in the past. Each team will play against eight of the other ten teams in a series format, with four series at home and four away. This approach allows players and fans to experience both home advantage and the challenge of competing overseas.
In total, the 2025-2029 Women’s Championship will see 44 series, consisting of 132 One Day Internationals (ODIs). With each series comprising three matches, this format ensures consistent competitive play for all teams and contributes to a more balanced championship structure.
For fans, this schedule promises more cricketing action than ever before. The extended fixture list means more opportunities to witness thrilling matches and standout performances from international players. Additionally, by maintaining a balance of home and away series, the ICC encourages a level playing field where teams are tested in diverse conditions, which ultimately leads to a more competitive and engaging tournament.
The Road to the 2029 Women’s Cricket World Cup
The ICC Women’s Championship will serve as the qualification pathway for the 2029 Women’s Cricket World Cup, adding stakes to every match in the upcoming cycle. Teams will need to perform consistently across their series to secure a place in the World Cup. This competitive format incentivizes teams to build strong, resilient squads that can adapt to a variety of playing conditions.
As teams strive to qualify for the World Cup, the Women’s Championship also provides a platform for developing and testing new talent. Many teams use these matches to integrate younger players, providing them with crucial international exposure and experience under high-stakes conditions. This blend of seasoned veterans and emerging talent ensures that the championship will be a showcase of skill, strategy, and sportsmanship.
Increased Match Volume: More Cricket, More Opportunities
The FTP’s comprehensive schedule includes over 400 matches across all formats of women’s international cricket between 2025 and 2029. This increase in matches reflects the ICC’s commitment to raising the profile of women’s cricket and providing more consistent competitive play for women’s teams.
For players, the expanded schedule means more opportunities to refine their skills, compete with the best, and build their careers on a solid foundation of international experience. With a busy fixture list, teams and players will need to focus on maintaining fitness, managing workloads, and adapting strategies to perform at their best across a longer cycle. This demanding schedule is expected to push players to new heights and showcase the skill, stamina, and resilience of women cricketers.
Annual ICC Women’s Tournaments: A Yearly Feast for Fans
In addition to the ICC Women’s Championship, the FTP introduces an annual ICC Women’s tournament, ensuring that every year has a marquee event for fans to enjoy. Starting with the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup in 2025, the schedule also includes the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup in 2026, the inaugural ICC Women’s Champions Trophy in 2027, and another ICC Women’s T20 World Cup in 2028. These annual tournaments provide exciting opportunities for fans to rally behind their teams and witness the thrill of global competition.
The introduction of the ICC Women’s Champions Trophy in 2027 is particularly noteworthy. This tournament will bring together the world’s top teams in a shorter, intense format, adding another layer of excitement to women’s cricket. The Champions Trophy will not only give teams an additional platform to compete for international glory but also allow fans to see the best teams and players in action in a condensed, high-stakes competition.
Promoting Growth and Inspiring the Next Generation
The expanded FTP is more than just a calendar; it’s a strategic vision for the future of women’s cricket. By providing more matches, increasing global representation, and scheduling annual tournaments, the ICC aims to raise the profile of women’s cricket and inspire young female players around the world. For emerging cricket nations like Zimbabwe, the new FTP offers invaluable opportunities to grow and make a mark on the international stage, potentially encouraging greater investment in women’s cricket infrastructure and development programs in these regions.
The FTP also plays a significant role in fostering a culture of equality in cricket. As more women’s matches are televised and covered extensively, it increases visibility and normalizes the presence of women in international sports. This is crucial for changing perceptions, breaking down stereotypes, and inspiring young girls to pursue cricket as a viable career path.
Looking Ahead: A Bright Future for Women’s Cricket
The ICC’s 2025-2029 Future Tours Programme is a monumental step forward for women’s cricket. It showcases the ICC’s commitment to expanding the sport, offering more competitive opportunities, and promoting inclusivity. With a packed schedule, new teams, and annual tournaments, the upcoming cycle will undoubtedly bring women’s cricket into greater prominence on the global stage.
For fans, the next few years promise a feast of cricketing action, with teams constantly evolving, rising talents emerging, and unforgettable matches. As the ICC Women’s Championship and annual tournaments unfold, cricket enthusiasts worldwide will have the chance to witness the growth and transformation of women’s cricket, celebrating the skill, passion, and resilience of these remarkable athletes.
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