WPL to be held in January-February from 2026 in new FTP cycle

The International Cricket Council (ICC) has laid down the blueprint for the conduction of Women’s cricket all over the globe. ICC’s new Future Tours Programme (FTP) for women’s cricket will see a dedicated window allotted for women’s tournaments and fixtures. The move comes due to the need to create a structured calendar, enhance global visibility, and support the growth of women’s cricket.

With respect to the new women’s Future Tours Programme for the 2025-29, the Women’s Premier League (WPL) will be held between January-February with effect from 2026. This is to ensure that the league does not overlap with other major women’s tournaments. On the other hand, The Hundred and the Women’s Big Bash League (WBBL) are slotted to be held in August and November respectively.

Also Read: 400 matches amongst 11 teams in women's international 2025-29 FTP cycle

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) had rescheduled the WPL in 2024, which had caused certain overseas players not entering the auction and some leaving the league midway. Cricket Australia, in order to cater to both needs, has decided to host the home summer series from February to March.

ICC introduces T20 Champions Trophy, to start in 2027

Barring these, the ICC has also expanded the ICC Women’s ODI Championship. The tournament will see 11 teams vying for glory as Zimbabwe has joined the fray. After this development, all ICC full members will take part in the championship. The list excludes Afghanistan as the country does not have a women’s team.

Also Read: Danni Wyatt-Hodge moves to WPL franchise RCB Women from UP Warriorz

As part of the plan to host at least one women’s global tournament each year, the ICC has introduced a T20 Champions Trophy. The tournament will mark its commencement from 2027 in Sri Lanka. This also means that three global events will be scheduled over a 14-month period, which includes major events such as LA Olympics in August 2028 and the T20 World Cup in September 2028.