Pakistan will host the England, New Zealand, and Zimbabwe women’s cricket teams for the first time between 2026 and 2028, as part of the ICC Future Tours Programme. This initiative includes a comprehensive schedule for the ICC Women’s Championship from 2026 to 2029, aiming to enhance competitive opportunities and qualify for the ICC Women’s World Cup in 2029.
Pakistan will mark a significant milestone by hosting England, New Zealand, and Zimbabwe women’s cricket teams for the first time, as announced by the International Cricket Council (ICC) through the Future Tours Programme (FTP) for 2025-29. Zimbabwe’s tour is scheduled for April/May 2026, followed by New Zealand in April 2027, and England in October of the same year. This development underscores Pakistan’s growing role in women’s cricket on the global stage. The fourth cycle of the ICC Women’s Championship, set to take place from 2026 to 2029, will include participation from 11 teams aimed at securing spots for the ICC Women’s 50-over World Cup in 2029, highlighting Zimbabwe’s inaugural presence therein. This championship format will see each team engaging in eight series, with four being home matches and four away, mirroring the current setup. In total, 44 series will be conducted, encompassing 132 One Day Internationals (ODIs), with each series featuring three matches. Additionally, Bangladesh is set to visit Pakistan in October 2028, completing the lineup of teams touring the country during this Championship cycle. For Pakistan’s away fixtures, they will face South Africa in February 2026 and Sri Lanka in July of the same year. Later, November 2026 will see them in the West Indies, and they will conclude their away campaigns with a series in Ireland scheduled for June 2028. The FTP signifies a robust future for women’s cricket, as there will be an ICC Women’s tournament every year, starting with the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025 in India and followed by other key events through 2028. In preparation for these major ICC events, member nations have collaboratively scheduled tri-series tournaments. Most notably, prior to the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026, Ireland will host a series involving Pakistan and the West Indies, further enriching the competitive landscape of women’s international cricket.
The hosting of women’s cricket teams by Pakistan for the first time represents a significant shift in the global landscape of women’s cricket. The ICC Women’s Championship serves as a critical qualification pathway to major tournaments, ensuring that emerging cricket nations like Zimbabwe receive much-needed exposure and competitive experience on the international stage. This development comes at a time when there is an increased emphasis on promoting women’s sports and enhancing opportunities for female athletes worldwide, particularly in cricket.
In summary, Pakistan’s scheduled hosting of England, New Zealand, and Zimbabwe women’s cricket teams marks a pivotal moment in the development of women’s cricket within the country. The fourth cycle of the ICC Women’s Championship, along with other ICC tournaments, showcases a commitment to elevating the profile of women’s sports. With a structured competition framework and regular international events, the future looks promising for women’s cricket, ensuring that it gains the visibility and support it rightfully deserves.
Original Source: dunyanews.tv
