- Eight-team global event to debut in Bangkok
The ICC has announced the launch of the inaugural Women’s Emerging Nations Trophy, an eight-team global tournament aimed at accelerating the growth of women’s cricket. The competition will run from November 20 to 30 in Bangkok, featuring Thailand, Netherlands, Papua New Guinea, UAE, Scotland, Namibia, Tanzania and Uganda.
The new event is part of a broader three-tier development pathway introduced after the highly successful Women’s ODI World Cup in India and Sri Lanka. The ICC highlighted the tournament’s massive reach, noting over 500 million viewers in India and nearly 300,000 fans in attendance across both host nations. India’s historic triumph, becoming the first Asian team to lift the Women’s World Cup, was described as a pivotal moment for the sport’s global evolution.
ICC chief executive Sanjog Gupta said the new trophy aligns with the vision to expand cricket’s global footprint and boost opportunities for elite female athletes from emerging nations. He emphasised that increased exposure will fast-track development, improve competitiveness and inspire greater participation at grassroots level.
The opening day in Bangkok will see Thailand face Netherlands, while Papua New Guinea take on UAE.
