Pakistan will host England, New Zealand, and Zimbabwe women’s cricket teams for the first time in the years 2026 and 2027, part of the ICC’s Future Tours Programme. The ICC Women’s Championship will feature 11 teams competing for direct qualification to the 2029 World Cup. This initiative reflects a significant commitment to advancing women’s cricket globally.
Pakistan is set to make history by hosting the women’s cricket teams from England, New Zealand, and Zimbabwe for the first time, as revealed by the ICC’s Future Tours Programme for 2025-29. Zimbabwe is scheduled to tour Pakistan in April/May 2026, followed by New Zealand in April 2027, and England in October of the same year. This marks an exciting milestone for women’s cricket in Pakistan, coinciding with the upcoming fourth cycle of the ICC Women’s Championship, which will run from 2026 to 2029, involving 11 competing nations. The ICC Women’s Championship will consist of 132 One Day Internationals (ODIs), formatted as four home and four away series for each team, mirroring the current edition. The participation of Zimbabwe in this championship will be a noteworthy event as it marks their inaugural appearance in this prestigious series. Additionally, Bangladesh is set to tour Pakistan in October 2028, thus expanding international women’s cricket engagements in the country. In the context of their away series commitments, Pakistan will visit multiple countries including South Africa in February 2026, followed by matches against Sri Lanka in July 2026, the West Indies in November 2026, and Ireland in June 2028. The Future Tour Programme ensures an ICC Women’s tournament is held annually, commencing with the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025 in India, followed by subsequent tournaments in the later years.
The ICC Future Tours Programme outlines the schedule for international cricket, providing structure and predictability for the fixtures of men’s and women’s cricket globally. The inclusion of Pakistan as a host for women’s teams is a significant step toward promoting gender equality in sports, especially in regions where women’s cricket is still gaining traction. The ICC Women’s Championship serves as a platform for teams to qualify for the ICC Women’s 50-over World Cup 2029, emphasizing the competitive nature of women’s cricket and the ongoing efforts to enhance its visibility and support at international levels.
In conclusion, Pakistan’s role as a host for the women’s cricket teams from England, New Zealand, and Zimbabwe highlights a progressive approach towards the development of women’s cricket. The ICC Women’s Championship will not only provide crucial competitive fixtures but also contribute to promoting women’s sports in Pakistan and beyond. This future schedule indicates an exciting era ahead for women’s cricket on the global stage.
Original Source: dunyanews.tv
