The much-awaited India–Pakistan showdown is officially on the calendar after the International Cricket Council (ICC) unveiled the complete schedule for the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026 on Tuesday, setting up another high-voltage clash between the two rivals.
The 10th edition of the tournament will be held in England from June 12 to July 5 and will feature 12 teams — the largest line-up in the competition’s history. Hosts England will open the tournament against Sri Lanka on June 12, while the final is scheduled to take place at Lord’s Cricket Ground on July 5.
India and Pakistan have been placed in Group A along with Australia, South Africa, Bangladesh and the Netherlands. Their group-stage encounter is expected to draw massive global interest, given the long-standing rivalry between the two sides. Recent meetings in ICC tournaments have attracted record viewership, reflecting the rising popularity and profile of the women’s game.
Group B includes England, New Zealand, Sri Lanka, West Indies, Ireland and Scotland. Ireland and Scotland will kick off their campaigns in an all-European fixture at Old Trafford on June 13. England’s match against Scotland at Headingley on June 20 will mark the first time the two teams have faced each other at an ICC event in England.
Bangladesh, Ireland, Scotland and the Netherlands secured the final four spots through the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup Qualifier held in Nepal last month. They join defending champions New Zealand, inaugural winners England, 2016 champions West Indies, six-time champions Australia and reigning ODI world champions India in what promises to be a fiercely competitive tournament.
ICC Chief Executive Sanjog Gupta called the schedule announcement a significant milestone in the lead-up to the event.
“The release of the schedule for the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026 is an important milestone in the run-up to this premier global sporting event,” Gupta said.
He added that the tournament continues the ICC’s sustained investment in women’s cricket, including expanded participation pathways, improved event and production standards, increased prize money, broader media reach and stronger commercial partnerships — all aimed at elevating the game’s global stature.
Referring to the recent ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup in India, Gupta said it acted as a “force multiplier” for the sport by breaking records, inspiring communities and capturing imaginations. “Our ambition is to carry that momentum into the event in June–July,” he said.
