The International Cricket Council (ICC) has awarded Pakistan the hosting rights for the Women’s T20 World Cup 2028, announcing the decision after its Board met in Ahmedabad on Monday.
The tournament marks a significant moment for women’s cricket in Pakistan, which has taken on a larger role in hosting international cricket in recent years. Under the existing agreement between Pakistan and India, any matches involving India during the tournament will take place at a neutral venue.
On the playing conditions front, the board approved a trial allowing the use of the pink ball in Test matches when both participating teams agree, a step aimed at cutting down playing time lost to poor light. The ICC also extended the innings break in Twenty20 Internationals to 15 minutes.
In other scheduling news, the ICC Women’s Champions Trophy 2027 has been moved to February 14 to 28, 2027, shifting away from the previously planned June-July window. The board also confirmed that the Emerging Nations Trophy 2026 will feature 10 teams, split equally between Full Members and Associate Members.
To broaden qualification pathways, the ICC approved a new 16-team global qualifying tournament for the Men’s T20 World Cup.
On governance, the ICC suspended the membership of the Canada Cricket Board over what it described as serious breaches, though Canada’s national team retains eligibility to compete in ICC events. The board also announced that a two-member delegation will visit Bangladesh to review several matters, including the electoral process of the Bangladesh Cricket Board, following a similar visit the delegation completed in Sri Lanka.
The board also raised concerns over the rapid global expansion of franchise cricket, deciding to form a committee to explore ways of balancing the international calendar with franchise-based leagues while protecting the existing structure of the game.
