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’s Future Tours Programme 2025-29. This initiative includes a total of 132 ODIs across various competitions, contributing to teams’ qualifications for the ICC Women’s 50-over World Cup in 2029.
Pakistan is set to make history by hosting the England, New Zealand, and Zimbabwe women’s cricket teams for the first time, as confirmed by the ICC’s Future Tours Programme for 2025-2029. Zimbabwe is expected to visit Pakistan in April/May 2026, followed by New Zealand in April 2027, and England in October 2027. This initiative marks an important milestone for women’s cricket in Pakistan, as it aims to promote the sport at a higher competitive level. The upcoming ICC Women’s Championship, scheduled from 2026-29, will introduce 11 teams competing for direct qualification to the ICC Women’s 50-over World Cup in 2029, with Zimbabwe making its debut in the event. The tournament structure will consist of each team playing against eight others, engaging in four home and four away series. Across these engagements, a staggering 132 One Day Internationals (ODIs) will be held, with every series comprising three matches. Bangladesh will also be featured in the Championship, visiting Pakistan in October 2028. Pakistan has planned several away assignments, including trips to South Africa in February 2026, Sri Lanka in July 2026, the West Indies in November 2026, and Ireland in June 2028. This robust schedule is designed to enhance competitive standards in women’s cricket. The Future Tour Programme ensures that an ICC Women’s tournament will take place annually from 2025 onward, starting with the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup in India and followed by the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup in England in 2026. Furthermore, the inaugural ICC Women’s Champions Trophy is slated for 2027, concluding with the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup in 2028. To prepare for these events, members have organized mutual tri-series tournaments, including a tri-series in Ireland just before the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup in 2026.
The announcement regarding the tours of the England, New Zealand, and Zimbabwe women’s cricket teams to Pakistan is a significant development in the landscape of women’s cricket. The Future Tours Programme (FTP) for 2025-2029 reflects the International Cricket Council’s commitment to enhancing opportunities for women’s teams and increasing the competitive framework within which they operate. Hosting international teams is an essential step for Pakistan as it seeks to bolster the profile of women’s cricket locally and internationally. This initiative also coincides with the ICC Women’s Championship, wherein teams will compete for a place in the ICC Women’s 50-over World Cup, thus placing additional importance on these series as they are pivotal for qualification and performance evaluations.
In conclusion, Pakistan’s hosting of the England, New Zealand, and Zimbabwe women’s cricket teams marks a historic moment for women’s cricket within the nation. With a structured pathway leading to the ICC Women’s 50-over World Cup, the forthcoming tours are crucial for enhancing the quality and visibility of women’s cricket. This initiative, coupled with a busy international schedule, aims to elevate the status of women’s cricket in Pakistan to new heights, supporting the global growth of the sport.
Original Source: dunyanews.tv
