The International Cricket Council (ICC) has recently introduced a new Future Tours Programme (FTP) for women’s cricket which aims to promote a better and structured scheduling, increase visibility, and support the growth of the sport globally. Beginning from 2025-29, this FTP includes dedicated slots for varied women’s T20 leagues and international events, ensuring a minimal overlap with the other tournaments and series. 

Under the new schedule, the Women’s Premier League (WPL) will be held annually in January-February starting in 2026. This adjustment helps avoid clashes with other key tournaments. Meanwhile, the England-based tournament, The Hundred, and Australia’s Women’s Big Bash League (WBBL) will take place in August and November, respectively.

In the past, rescheduling led to some challenges. For instance, in 2024, when the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) changed the WPL’s timeline, some overseas players opted out of the league or left mid-season due to national duties. Cricket Australia, to accommodate both WBBL and its home summer series, has now shifted the latter to February-March. 

ICC Launches new T20 Champions Trophy; First Edition to be conducted in 2027 

The ICC’s initiative also includes launching a new global event: the T20 Champions Trophy. Starting in 2027, this tournament will debut in Sri Lanka. All the ICC Full members will be seen participating in the tournament except for Afghanistan who do not have a women’s national cricket team. 

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The ICC plans to hold at least one women’s global tournament each year. Meanwhile, A busy period in 2028 will feature three major events: the T20 Champions Trophy, the LA Olympics in August, and the T20 World Cup in September.

With these changes, the ICC aims to provide more consistent opportunities and a clear calendar for women’s cricket, supporting the sport’s growth on an international scale.