Dubai: The International Cricket Council (ICC) on Friday announced that the 2029 Women’s ODI World Cup will feature 10 teams, expanding from the current eight-team format, following the phenomenal success of the 2025 edition.
The decision, ratified by the ICC Board, aims to build on the surging popularity and global reach of women’s cricket. The 2025 Women’s World Cup, held across India and Sri Lanka, saw India lift their first-ever global women’s trophy, defeating South Africa by 52 runs in the final played at Navi Mumbai’s Dr DY Patil Stadium on November 2.
“The ICC Board, keen to build on the success of the event, agreed to expand the next edition of the tournament to 10 teams (from 8 teams in 2025),” the ICC said in an official statement.
Record-Breaking Attendance and Viewership
The 2025 tournament set new benchmarks for women’s cricket worldwide.
According to the ICC, nearly 300,000 fans attended matches across venues — the highest ever attendance for any women’s cricket event. Global TV and digital viewership also soared, with India alone accounting for around 500 million viewers.
More Funding for Associate Members
In a move reflecting its commitment to equitable global growth, the ICC Board approved an increase of nearly 10% in annual fund distribution to its associate members starting 2026.
“The uplift in funding will enable these countries to invest further in domestic programmes, high-performance structures, and cricket development across emerging regions,” the ICC statement read.
Update on ‘Project USA’
The ICC also received its first update on ‘Project USA’, launched after the suspension of USA Cricket earlier this year.
The initiative ensures that players’ commercial and development interests are protected and aims to build a strong foundation for the sport’s inclusion in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.
The project focuses on strengthening pathways for US national teams and supporting their participation in ICC events.
Cricket’s Global Expansion: Pan-Am and African Games
With cricket returning to the Olympic programme in 2028, the sport is set to feature in other major multi-sport events as well. The ICC confirmed that cricket will be included in the 2027 African Games in Cairo and the 2027 Pan-American Games in Lima, Peru.
Mithali Raj Joins ICC Women’s Cricket Committee
The ICC Board also ratified several new appointments to the Women’s Cricket Committee, including legendary former India captain Mithali Raj and current India women’s coach Amol Muzumdar.
Other new members include Ashley De Silva, Ben Sawyer, Charlotte Edwards, and Sala Stella Siale-Vaea.
Key Takeaways:
- 2029 Women’s ODI World Cup to feature 10 teams instead of 8
- Record-breaking 300,000+ fans attended the 2025 edition
- 10% funding increase for associate members from 2026
- ‘Project USA’ progressing toward LA 2028 Olympics
- Cricket to feature in 2027 African and Pan-Am Games
- Mithali Raj and Amol Muzumdar join ICC Women’s Cricket Committee