Cardiff, Derby and Loughborough to host warm-up games ahead of ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026
Three elite cricket venues have today been added to the list of grounds that will play their part in the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026 next year.
Cardiff’s Sophia Gardens, Derby County Ground, and Loughborough University – home of the ECB’s National Cricket Performance Centre – will play host to a range of warm-up matches before the tournament gets underway on 12th June 2026.
All three venues share a rich cricketing pedigree and have played a part in propelling women’s cricket on to the global stage. The warm-up matches will see the best in the world go head-to-head as they prepare for next summer’s groundbreaking tournament.
The three venues will play a prominent role in showcasing elite women’s cricket to local fans before the first ball of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026 is bowled at Edgbaston on 12th June next year.
Tournament Director Beth Barrett-Wild said: “We’re thrilled to welcome Sophia Gardens, Derby County Ground, and Loughborough University to the roster of incredible venues that will host the tournament next summer. The ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026 provides an unparalleled opportunity to really shine a spotlight on the excellence in our sport and to launch women’s cricket firmly into the mainstream.
“We’re delighted to extend that opportunity to even more English and Welsh fans through the warm-up games, and to inspire hundreds and thousands of people across the country to fall in love with women’s cricket.”
Full details of the warm-up schedule will be revealed in due course.
The expanded ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026 will see 12 teams compete for the prestigious trophy that is currently held by New Zealand.
33 matches will be played across the 24-day competition, at seven iconic venues, before the final takes place at Lord’s on 5th July.
Eight countries are already sure of their place, with the final four participants to be decided through a Women’s T20 World Cup Qualifier next year.
England and Wales were awarded hosting rights for the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026 in 2022, with the seven host venues selected subsequently following evaluation of various criteria.
Fans can gain priority access to tickets for the tournament by signing up to receive exclusive information on how to buy or by visiting womens.t20worldcup.com