The ICC (International Cricket Council) announced on Friday that the Women's ODI World Cup in 2029 will now feature 10 teams, compared to the current 8. The ICC Board stated that this decision was made considering the growing popularity of the tournament and the expansion of women's cricket.
Sports News: In a historic decision for women's cricket, the International Cricket Council (ICC) announced on Friday that the 2029 Women's ODI World Cup will now feature 10 teams. Until now, this tournament was played among only eight teams. The ICC stated that this move is a significant step towards enhancing the global popularity and competitiveness of women's cricket.
Alongside this, the ICC also announced that cricket would be included in the African Games (African Games 2027) and the Pan-American Games (Pan-American Games 2027). This decision reflects cricket's global expansion, especially at a time when the sport was recently included in the Los Angeles Olympics 2028.
Major Change in 2029 Women's ODI World Cup
It was decided at the ICC Board meeting that the number of teams in the Women's ODI World Cup in 2029 would be increased from eight to 10. The aim is to ensure more opportunities and global representation for female players. The ICC stated that the previous Women's World Cup broke several viewership records.
Approximately three hundred thousand spectators watched matches in stadiums, while on-screen viewership also saw a massive surge. In India, nearly 500 million viewers watched the matches on TV and digital platforms — a new record for any women's cricket tournament. The ICC Board described this as a positive sign for women's cricket and stated that providing a more competitive environment for female players is essential with increasing popularity.
Increased Funding for Associate Nations
The ICC has also taken a significant step for the development of its Associate Member Nations. From 2026, these nations will receive 10 percent more funding, which will boost local cricket infrastructure and the development of women's cricket. The ICC stated that this decision reflects the organization's commitment towards “equitable growth and inclusivity.”
The Board also received an update on “Project USA,” which was launched after the suspension of USA Cricket. The objective of this project is to ensure that the professional and developmental interests of players are not negatively affected.
Cricket to Resound in African and Pan-Am Games Too
Cricket is now set to become part of not just the Olympics but also continental games. The ICC has confirmed that the sport will be included in the African Games in Cairo, Egypt, in 2027, and the Pan-American Games in Lima, Peru. This decision is considered crucial for globalizing cricket. The development of cricket in African and Latin American countries is currently in its early stages, and its inclusion in these sporting events will increase the potential for new talent to emerge in the region.
The ICC has also made significant changes in women's cricket administration. Former India captain Mithali Raj has been appointed as a member of the ICC Women's Cricket Committee.
Joining her on the committee are Ashley de Silva (Sri Lanka), Amol Muzumdar (India), Ben Sawyer (Australia), Charlotte Edwards (England), and Sala Stella Siale Veyala (Papua New Guinea). This committee will be responsible for advising on policies, development plans, and tournament structures for women's cricket globally.
