Women’s Cricket retained for Commonwealth Wealth Games 2026 Edition in Victoria

One of the best things to have happened in the Commonwealth Games 2022 edition in Birmingham was the re-introduction of Women’s Cricket and that too in the 20-over format. The game had a great welcome from the fans in the stadium as Cricket wasn't part of the event since 1998 when South Africa managed to bag the gold medal in the Men’s 50 over format.  

Notably, Australia bagged the gold medal this year in the Commonwealth Games 2022 while India and New Zealand won silver and bronze medals respectively. Women’s cricket has grown in great heights in recent times, and it has been rewarded now with retention for the Commonwealth Games 2026 edition in Victoria from March 17-29.  

‘Can't wait for another opportunity to showcase the women's game’ - ICC General Manager  

The International Cricket Council (ICC) General Manager, Wasim Khan revealed his excitement over Women’s cricket being retained for Commonwealth Games 2026 and termed it as a significant landmark. He went on to mention about the long-term plans to get into Olympics and highlighted the increasing popularity of women’s cricket with the crowd numbers. He added that this will be a great chance to showcase the women’s game yet another time to the fans across world.

"We are delighted to know that women's cricket will be part of the Commonwealth Games in Victoria. It will be another significant landmark for the sport after its huge success in recent years, including Birmingham,” ICC general manager, Wasim Khan was quoted as saying by the cricketer.com

"The continued growth and upward trajectory of both the women's game and T20 cricket fits perfectly with our long-term ambitions that include being part of the Olympic Games. 

"Women's cricket has witnessed a sharp upward curve with rising standards and a rapidly increasing fan base. The sight of 86,174 fans in Melbourne for the final of the ICC Women's T20 World Cup 2020 still lives strong in our memories and so we just can't wait for another opportunity to showcase the women's game, this time in Victoria in 2026," he added.