The International Cricket Council (ICC) on Thursday (May 1) confirmed seven venues to host the Women’s T20 World Cup next year in England.

The iconic Lord’s Cricket Ground has been locked in as the venue for the final of the showpiece event, scheduled for July 5, 2026.

The apex body made the announcement during a launch event at Lord’s, where it was also revealed that Edgbaston, Hampshire Bowl, Headingley, Old Trafford Cricket Ground, The Oval and Bristol County Ground will stage the tournament matches.

The ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026 will get underway on June 12, and the competition will see 33 matches being played in a span of 24 days. The full tournament schedule will be unveiled in due course.

As many as 12 teams – the largest ever in a Women’s T20 World Cup – will feature in the marquee event. Eight countries - England, Australia, India, New Zealand, South Africa, West Indies, Pakistan, Sri Lanka - are already sure of their place, with the final four participants to be decided through a Women's T20 World Cup Qualifier next year.

The 12 teams will be split into two groups of six for the group stage, followed by the knockout rounds and finals.

"The confirmation of venues represents a defining moment as we build towards the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026. This tournament will bring together the world’s finest players in a celebration of skill, spirit and sportsmanship," said ICC Chair Jay Shah.

"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."

ECB Chief Executive Richard Gould added: “We are hugely excited for the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026, and thrilled to be able to confirm the seven iconic venues that will host the tournament.

“It is of course extra special to announce that the final will be taking place at Lord’s. It is one of the finest venues in world cricket and every cricketer dreams of being part of occasions like a World Cup final at Lord’s.

“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 though 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.”

(With ICC Inputs)