Harmanpreet Kaur lifts the Women’s World Cup trophy after India’s historic first title win in Mumbai, November 4, 2025 (ICC via Getty Images)
The International Cricket Council (ICC) has confirmed a major expansion for the Women’s World Cup 2029, increasing the number of teams from eight to ten. The decision comes as part of the ICC’s long-term commitment to the growth and global development of women’s cricket, following the huge success of the Women’s World Cup 2025.
Women’s World Cup 2029 to Feature 10 Teams and 48 Matches
Since 2000, only eight nations have competed in the Women’s World Cup, but the 2029 edition will see 10 teams play 48 matches, a significant increase from the 31 games held during the Women’s World Cup 2025.
The ICC highlighted record-breaking engagement from the last Women’s World Cup, with nearly 300,000 fans attending matches and over 500 million viewers tuning in from India alone. The organization called this “a milestone moment for women’s cricket” and aims to continue the momentum with broader participation and greater exposure in 2029.
Additionally, the Women’s T20 World Cup will expand from 10 to 12 teams next year, continuing the ICC’s focus on building competitive depth in the women’s game.
The ICC also confirmed new appointments to the Women’s Cricket Committee, including Ashley De Silva, Mithali Raj, Amol Muzumdar, Ben Sawyer, Charlotte Edwards, and Sala Stella Siale-Vaea — figures who have each played vital roles in advancing the Women’s World Cup and the sport’s global appeal.
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Following the success of the Women’s World Cup, the ICC is pushing to elevate cricket’s global profile through inclusion in the Olympic Games. The board announced that the LA28 Olympics will feature 28 cricket matches across both men’s and women’s competitions.
Each competition will host six teams, including the top-ranked side from each region (Africa, Americas, Asia, Europe, and Oceania), along with host nation USA. The Women’s World Cup model of global qualification will serve as inspiration for the Olympic format, ensuring fair representation and competitive balance.
The event is scheduled to begin on July 12, 2028, at the purpose-built Fairgrounds Stadium near Los Angeles.
Before that, cricket will also appear in multi-sport events inspired by the Women’s World Cup’s success — including the Asian Games 2026 (Japan), the African Games 2027 (Egypt), and the Pan American Games 2027 (Peru).
Discussions have also started regarding cricket’s inclusion at the 2032 Brisbane Olympics. ICC CEO Sanjog Gupta said he held “meaningful discussions” with Brisbane 2032 organizers and the International Olympic Committee (IOC), alongside ICC Chair Jay Shah, to explore competition formats and qualification pathways — taking cues from the global structure of the Women’s World Cup.
ICC Mobile Gaming Bids Inspired by Women’s World Cup Digital Success
The International Cricket Council (ICC) has announced the launch of a global bidding process for its upcoming mobile cricket game, aiming to create a world-class digital fan experience and strengthen engagement with audiences worldwide.
The initiative is designed to expand the ICC’s digital footprint and connect cricket enthusiasts through interactive, immersive gameplay. However, the move comes amid an ongoing dispute with the World Cricketers’ Association (WCA) regarding Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) rights.
To address the issue, the ICC has ruled that member boards will now negotiate NIL rights directly with their players, bypassing the WCA. The governing body first opened its Expression of Interest process in June, though negotiations have taken time as boards work to finalize player agreements.
Industry estimates suggest that at least half of the Full Member boards have already secured the necessary rights, paving the way for the ICC to partner with leading global gaming companies and bring an authentic cricket experience to mobile platforms.
Women’s World Cup Legacy Continues
The ICC’s latest decisions — from expanding the Women’s World Cup 2029 to 10 teams, to pushing for Olympic inclusion and digital innovation — signal a bold new era for women’s cricket. The organization aims to ensure the Women’s World Cup remains the centerpiece of global progress, inspiring future generations of players and fans worldwide.