Sophia Gardens, Derby, and Loughborough Named as Warm-Up Venues for 2026 ICC Women’s T20 World Cup

The International Cricket Council (ICC) has confirmed that Cardiff’s Sophia Gardens, the Derby County Ground, and Loughborough University will host the official warm-up matches for the 2026 ICC Women’s T20 World Cup. The tournament is scheduled to begin on June 12 in Birmingham, with the final set to be held at the iconic Lord’s on July 5.

While the detailed schedule of the warm-up games is yet to be announced, these venues have been chosen due to their strong ties with women’s cricket and their role in developing the sport in recent years. All three locations are well-equipped and hold historical significance in both domestic and international cricket.

The 2026 edition will be the 10th ICC Women’s T20 World Cup and will see the tournament expand to include 12 teams competing in 33 matches over 24 days. The competition will be held across seven prominent venues in England and Wales, including Edgbaston, Hampshire Bowl, Headingley, Old Trafford, The Oval, Bristol County Ground, and Lord’s.

Eight of the 12 participating nations have already secured their places in the main tournament. The remaining four spots will be decided after the completion of the Women’s T20 World Cup Global Qualifier, which is scheduled for early next year. This expanded format is expected to provide more teams with an opportunity to compete on the world stage and further grow the profile of women’s cricket globally.

The tournament opener will feature hosts England taking on Sri Lanka at Edgbaston on June 12. Group 1 will comprise former champions Australia, 2024 finalists South Africa, regional rivals India and Pakistan, and two qualifiers from the Global Qualifier. Group 2 will include defending champions New Zealand, host nation England, Sri Lanka, former winners West Indies, and the remaining two qualifying teams.

New Zealand will enter the tournament with high expectations after winning their first Women’s T20 World Cup title in Dubai last year.