The ICC has released the latest Future Tours Programme (FTP) for women's cricket for the 2025-29 cycle, bringing several key updates aimed at enhancing the global profile of the sport. Among the highlights are dedicated windows for three major T20 leagues: the Women's Premier League (WPL) in January-February, The Hundred in August, and the Women’s Big Bash League (WBBL) in November. This strategic scheduling ensures uninterrupted participation of international stars, thereby heightening the competition’s appeal and fan engagement across the globe.

ICC unveils new women's FTP with separate windows for WPL, Hundred, and WBBL

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has also shifted the WPL window to January-February from 2026. This adjustment aligns with Cricket Australia's (CA) decision to reschedule its marquee international home fixtures, previously held in mid-January, to a February-March window. The 2025 Women’s Ashes, set to begin in January, will be Australia’s last home series during this time slot until at least 2029. Following the WPL in 2026, Australia is set to host India for a highly anticipated tour, featuring one Test, three ODIs, and three T20Is.

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ICC Women's Championship expanded and new T20 Champions Trophy announced

In a bid to expand the reach of women's cricket, the ICC Women's Championship will now include 11 teams, with Zimbabwe joining as the latest addition. This expansion follows the recent inclusion of Bangladesh and Ireland, underscoring the ICC’s commitment to growing the women’s game. With Zimbabwe’s addition, every Full Member of the ICC, except Afghanistan, will now field a team in the ODI Championship. The current cycle will culminate in the 2025 ODI World Cup in India, promising a highly competitive format with new entrants.

The ICC also introduced a T20 Champions Trophy, set to be hosted by Sri Lanka in 2027. This event is part of ICC’s strategy to have at least one global women’s tournament every year, with the Champions Trophy joining an already busy schedule of major events. In 2028, fans can look forward to the inclusion of cricket in the Los Angeles Olympics (August) and the T20 World Cup (September), which will take place within a 14-month period, offering fans an action-packed calendar of top-level women’s cricket.

West Indies coach Daren Sammy has declared a "moral victory" for his team despite losing the T20I series 2-1 to Sri Lanka. His sharp remarks came after the final match, in which Sri Lanka clinched a nine-wicket win on a spinning track, raising questions about the home team's reliance on such pitches. Sammy voiced his concerns, particularly regarding the development of Sri Lanka’s fast bowlers, suggesting that prioritizing spin-friendly surfaces could harm their long-term success.

Meanwhile, Sri Lanka captain Charith Asalanka defended the strategy, emphasizing the team’s strengths in spin bowling, while also recognizing the need to improve their fast-bowling depth.

Sammy's criticism of Sri Lanka’s spin-focused strategy

After West Indies’ series defeat, Sammy expressed frustration over Sri Lanka's shift to spin-dominant pitches for the final two matches. He argued that although Sri Lanka may have won the series, the change in conditions suggested a reaction to West Indies’ solid performance on better batting wickets in the opening match.

Sammy's main contention was that the spinning tracks favored Sri Lanka’s spinners and sidelined their fast bowlers, which could hinder their long-term development. He pointed out that with the 2026 T20 World Cup being co-hosted by Sri Lanka, the ICC would likely oversee pitch conditions, meaning Sri Lanka wouldn’t always have the luxury of playing on spin-friendly surfaces.

“For us, to see the last two games, and the nature of the wicket from what it was at the start, I thought we actually won the contest,” Sammy remarked, referring to the way West Indies challenged Sri Lanka despite being the away team and lacking their full squad.

Sammy further questioned whether this tactic truly benefited Sri Lanka’s fast-bowling unit, noting that players like Matheesha Pathirana and Nuwan Thushara barely had a chance to bowl on good wickets. He believed that developing fast bowlers should be a priority for Sri Lanka if they want to succeed on the world stage in diverse conditions.

Sri Lanka’s captain defends the focus on spin

While Daren Sammy voiced his concerns, Sri Lankan captain Charith Asalanka was unperturbed, stating that Sri Lanka’s strength have traditionally been spin bowling, and they intended to stick with it.

“Sri Lanka’s strength has always been spin, and we still believe that it’s with spin that we will be able to win the most,” said Asalanka after the series victory. He explained that the pitches were tailored to suit the team’s strengths, and given the quality of Sri Lanka's spinners, it made sense to lean on them for success.

Asalanka’s point is valid, as Sri Lanka boast an enviable spin attack, featuring the likes of Maheesh Theekshana, Wanindu Hasaranga, and Dunith Wellalage. However, the captain also acknowledged the need for fast bowlers to improve. “We have a lot of fast bowlers on our bench. Today you saw Nuwan Thushara and Matheesha Pathirana, and they bowled well when called upon.”

While Sammy was critical of the conditions, one fact remained clear: Sri Lanka's batters outperformed West Indies across the series. The hosts scored over 160 runs in each game, even on turning wickets, showcasing their adaptability and consistent performance.

Asalanka defended the nature of the wickets, explaining that despite the increasing spin in the second and third games, Sri Lanka’s batters were able to post competitive scores. In the final T20I, they comfortably chased down 163 within 18 overs.

“We were expecting a spinning wicket in the first game as well, but it didn’t play as we expected. Then in the second game, it turned a lot more, but we still managed to score 162,” Asalanka noted.

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The series also revived an ongoing debate within Sri Lankan cricket about balancing short-term success with long-term development. While Sri Lanka have found success on spinning tracks, there are concerns about how well this strategy will serve them on the global stage. Asalanka remains confident that the team's batting unit is equipped to handle better wickets and higher scores, but for now, the focus remains on playing to their immediate strengths.

He stressed that Sri Lanka must continue developing their fast-bowling options to be able to compete in various conditions across the world, not just on home turf.

Chamari Athapaththu Leads Sri Lanka to Big Win Over MalaysiaChamari Athapaththu scored her career-best 119* to help Sri Lanka crush Malaysia by 144 runs in the Women’s Asia Cup match at Dambulla on Monday. The captain hit 7 sixes and 14 boundaries, leading Sri Lanka to their highest T20I total of 184/4. Malaysia struggled and only managed to score 40 in response.

Sri Lanka

PowerPlay: Strong start despite early setback

Malaysia’s Suabika Manivannan got an early breakthrough by dismissing a Sri Lankan batter with her first ball. However, Athapaththu took control, partnering with Harshitha Samarawickrama to add 64 runs. The duo hit boundaries in every over, with Athapaththu especially aggressive against Aisya Eleesa, adding 14 runs in the final over of the PowerPlay.

Middle overs: Athapaththu takes charge

Malaysia’s inexperience showed as they bowled poorly, and Athapaththu capitalized on every mistake. She reached her half-century in 35 balls and led the team to 100 runs by the 12th over. Malaysia had no answers as Athapaththu continued her assault. Samarawickrama was eventually bowled by Mahirah Izzati Ismail, who took her 50th T20I wicket.

Death overs: Sri Lanka sets record score

In the final overs, Athapaththu dominated the Malaysian bowlers, hitting sixes with ease. Despite some fielding errors by Malaysia, Athapaththu powered on, reaching her century off 63 balls. She led Sri Lanka to their highest T20I score of 184/4. Malaysia managed to take two wickets in the final balls to limit further damage.

Malaysia

Powerplay: Early collapse of batting order

Kawya Kavindi, playing her first game of the tournament, made an immediate impact by dismissing the Malaysian captain for a four-ball duck. Shashini Gimhani, a teenage left-arm wrist spinner, took two more wickets, reducing Malaysia to 21/3 in the PowerPlay.

Middle overs: No runs, No boundaries for Malaysia

Inoshi Priyadarshini started the middle overs by taking a wicket, with Ainna Hamizah Hashim caught at cover. Ama Kanchana nearly took another wicket, but the chance was missed. However, Ismail was soon bowled by Kanchana. Sachini Nisansala then took another wicket, leaving Malaysia struggling with only 15 runs in the middle overs.

Death overs: Sri Lanka secures big win

With a required run rate of over 30, Malaysia managed just one run per over in the final phase before being bowled out on the penultimate ball. Gimhani and Kavindi took one wicket each, while Kavisha Dilhari dismissed two lower-order batters in consecutive balls. Sri Lanka’s massive win boosted their net run rate and nearly secured them a spot in the semifinals. The victory also placed Sri Lanka at the top of Group B.

Player of the Match (Chamari Athapaththu)

“Really happy today because I played good cricket. The main reason is because my mom is also watching. She has sacrificed a lot for me. Thank you very much, mama. I enjoy my cricket everyday in the middle. I know how to handle pressure. I just keep it simple. We made four changes because we need to give opportunities to youngsters with the World Cup coming up.”

Sri Lanka’s recent performance against South Africa in the 2024 ICC T20 World Cup was nothing short of a debacle. Bundled out for a meager 77 runs, Sri Lanka recorded its lowest T20I total ever, eclipsing their previous lowest of 82 against India in 2016.

Sri Lanka’s Batting Collapse

Winning the toss and opting to bat, Sri Lanka hoped to set a challenging target for South Africa. However, a disciplined bowling attack, led by star pacer Anrich Nortje, had other plans. Sri Lanka’s innings crumbled, finishing at a paltry 77 runs in 19.1 overs.

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The Powerplay phase saw Sri Lanka managing only 24 runs while losing one wicket. The cautious approach and inability to capitalize on the fielding restrictions set the tone for the rest of the innings.

Anrich Nortje’s Dominance

Anrich Nortje was the standout performer, ripping through Sri Lanka’s batting lineup with a remarkable spell of 4 wickets for just 7 runs. His performance not only secured the best bowling figures for South Africa in a T20 World Cup but also showcased his prowess as a top-tier fast bowler.

Nortje’s first breakthrough came with the dismissal of Kamindu Mendis, followed by crucial wickets of Kusal Mendis and Charith Asalanka in successive overs. These dismissals were pivotal, breaking the back of Sri Lanka’s batting and ensuring no significant partnerships were built.

Nortje’s Record-Breaking Performance

Nortje’s 4/7 surpassed his own previous best of 4/10 against Bangladesh in the 2022 T20 World Cup. With this performance, he now holds the best bowling figures for South Africa in T20 World Cups and has the most wickets by any bowler after their first 11 T20 World Cup games, maintaining a wicket in each match.

Nortje breaks his own record

As mentioned, Nortje’s 4/7 are now the best bowling figures for South Africa in the T20 World Cup. He broke his own record of taking 4/10 against Bangladesh in the 2022 edition in Sydney. Wayne Parnell (4/13 vs WI, The Oval, 2009) and Jacques Kallis (4/15 vs Zimbabwe, Hambantota, 2012) follow Nortje on this list.

Lowest totals for SL in T20Is
77 vs SA New York 2024 *
82 vs Ind Vizag 2016
87 vs Aus Bridgetown 2010
87 vs Ind Cuttack 2017
91 vs Eng Southampton 2021

The Asian Cricket Council (ACC) has unveiled exciting news for cricket enthusiasts worldwide: the eagerly awaited Women’s Asia Cup 2024 is all set to grace the cricketing arena. Scheduled to be held in Dambulla, Sri Lanka, from July 19th to July 28th, 2024, this edition promises to be a riveting spectacle of talent, teamwork, and fierce competition.

A Platform for Women’s Cricket: Overview of the Tournament

The ACC has announced the Women’s Asia Cup 2024, signaling a significant moment for women’s cricket in the region. With eight teams slated to participate, this edition marks a notable increase from the previous edition, highlighting the growing interest and engagement in women’s cricket across Asia.

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Teams and Expectations

Joining traditional powerhouses such as India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and Bangladesh are the semi-finalists of the Women’s Premier Cup 2024: the UAE, Malaysia, Nepal, and Thailand. This expansion promises to elevate the level of competition, offering fans an exhilarating display of cricketing prowess.

Female Referees and Umpires

In alignment with the ACC’s vision of inclusivity and equality, the Women’s Asia Cup 2024 will continue the tradition of featuring all-female referees and umpires. This initiative, previously implemented in the 2022 edition, underscores the ACC’s dedication to fostering a supportive environment for women in cricket.

ACC’s Commitment to Women’s Cricket: Future Prospects

The Women’s Asia Cup has emerged as a cornerstone event in the ACC calendar, providing a vital platform for women cricketers to showcase their skills and passion for the sport. With each edition, the ACC reaffirms its commitment to advancing women’s cricket and nurturing a conducive environment for talent to thrive.

ACC president Jay Shah said, “The Women’s Asia Cup 2024 underscores the ACC’s commitment to promoting women’s cricket in the region. We are excited to see the increased participation and competitiveness among the teams, reflecting the growing popularity and importance of women’s cricket. This expansion, from six teams in 2018 to seven in 2022, and now eight, is a testament to our commitment to the women’s game and the burgeoning talent pool in Asian cricket. We anticipate an exciting tournament that will inspire both players and fans.”

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