The 2026 ICC Women’s T20 World Cup is set to be one of the biggest editions in the tournament’s history, bringing more teams, more matches, and higher competition. Scheduled to take place in England and Wales from June 12 to July 5, 2026, this landmark 10th edition will feature 12 teams competing across 33 matches at seven iconic venues.
With expanded participation and high stakes, the tournament promises intense cricket action and global attention.
India’s 15-Member Squad for T20 World Cup 2026
The BCCI officially announced India squad T20 World Cup on May 2, 2026, with Harmanpreet Kaur leading the team once again. This marks her fifth time captaining India in a T20 World Cup, highlighting her experience and leadership. Smriti Mandhana has been named vice-captain, providing strong support at the top.
Full Squad Breakdown
- Captain: Harmanpreet Kaur
- Vice-Captain: Smriti Mandhana
- Batters: Shafali Verma, Jemimah Rodrigues, Bharti Fulmali
- All-Rounders: Deepti Sharma, Shreyanka Patil, Radha Yadav
- Wicketkeepers: Richa Ghosh, Yastika Bhatia
- Spin Bowlers: Radha Yadav, Shreyanka Patil, Shree Charani
- Pace Bowlers: Renuka Singh Thakur, Arundhati Reddy, Kranti Gaud, Nandini Sharma
Key Returns, New Faces & Major Absences
India’s squad reflects a mix of experience and fresh talent.
Yastika Bhatia makes a comeback after recovering from ACL surgery. Bharti Fulmali and Nandini Sharma have earned selection after impressive performances in the Women’s Premier League. Nandini Sharma stands out as the only uncapped player in the squad.
Notable Absences
Amanjot Kaur (back injury) and Kashvee Gautam (knee injury) are unavailable. Other exclusions include Sneh Rana, Harleen Deol, and Pratika Rawal.
Tournament Format & Group Division
The 2026 edition introduces a larger competition structure for the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026:
- 12 teams divided into two groups of six
- Each team plays five group-stage matches
- Top two teams from each group qualify for the semi-finals
Group A
India, Australia, South Africa, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Netherlands
Group B
England (hosts), New Zealand (defending champions), West Indies, Sri Lanka, Ireland, Scotland
India’s Group Stage Schedule
- June 14: vs Pakistan – Edgbaston, Birmingham – 7:00 PM IST
- June 17: vs Netherlands – Headingley, Leeds – 7:00 PM IST
- June 21: vs South Africa – Old Trafford, Manchester – 7:00 PM IST
- June 25: vs Bangladesh – Old Trafford, Manchester – 7:00 PM IST
- June 28: vs Australia – Lord’s, London – 7:00 PM IST
Key Tournament Highlights
- Debut Team: The Netherlands will make their first-ever appearance in a Women’s T20 World Cup after qualifying through global qualifiers.
- Venues: Matches will be played across iconic cricket grounds including Lord’s, The Oval, Edgbaston, Old Trafford, Headingley, the Rose Bowl, and Bristol County Ground. The semi-finals will take place at The Oval, while the final will be held at Lord’s.
- Prize Money: The total prize pool has increased by 10% to approximately US8.76million,withthechampionsreceivingaround2.34 million.
Major Squad Changes Since 2024
India has made strategic changes to adapt to English conditions.
- Players Dropped: Pooja Vastrakar, Asha Sobhana, Dayalan Hemalatha, Sajeewan Sajana
- New Additions: Shree Charani (spinner), Nandini Sharma (uncapped pacer), Kranti Gaud (fast bowler), Bharti Fulmali (batter)
All four new players are set to make their World Cup debut.
Injury Updates & Missed Opportunities
- Amanjot Kaur has been ruled out for 4 to 5 months due to a back injury
- Kashvee Gautam will miss the tournament due to a knee injury requiring surgery
- Pratika Rawal, despite strong domestic performances, has not been included in the T20 squad
India’s Pre-World Cup Preparation
To prepare for English conditions, India will play a three-match T20I series against England:
- May 28: 1st T20I at Chelmsford
- May 30: 2nd T20I at Gloucestershire
- June 2: 3rd T20I at Taunton
This series will act as the final preparation phase before the World Cup begins.
Historical Context & Team Pressure
India enters the tournament with strong momentum after winning their first-ever senior global title at the 2025 Women’s ODI World Cup. However, the T20 format remains challenging.
- India was eliminated in the group stage of the 2024 T20 World Cup
- Recently lost a T20I series 4-1 against South Africa in April 2026
This creates both pressure and motivation for the team to perform better on the global stage.
Ticket Information
Tickets for the tournament are available through the official ICC platform.
- Opening match tickets start at £15
- Semi-finals begin at £20
- Final tickets at Lord’s start from £30
India’s matches will be played at major venues like Edgbaston, Headingley, Old Trafford, and Lord’s.
Conclusion
The ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026 promises to be a historic tournament with expanded participation, strong competition, and high expectations. India’s balanced squad, combined with strategic preparation, positions them as serious contenders.
With key players returning, fresh talent emerging, and a challenging group stage ahead, all eyes will be on how India performs in this crucial edition.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. When and where is the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026 being held?
A1. The tournament will be held in England and Wales from June 12 to July 5, 2026.
Q2. Who is captaining the Indian team in the T20 World Cup 2026?
A2. Harmanpreet Kaur is captaining India for the fifth time, with Smriti Mandhana as vice-captain.
Q3. Which team is making its debut in the Women’s T20 World Cup?
A3. The Netherlands will make their first-ever appearance in the tournament.
Q4. Where will the final match be played?
A4. The final will be held at Lord’s, London.
Q5. What is India’s first match in the tournament?
A5. India’s first match is against Pakistan on June 14, 2026, at Edgbaston, Birmingham.