2029 Women’s World Cup Expands to Ten Teams; Olympic Cricket in Talks for 2032
The International Cricket Council (ICC) is set to enhance its commitment to women’s cricket with significant expansions for upcoming tournaments. In a recent announcement, the ICC revealed that the 2029 Women’s World Cup will include ten teams, a rise from the eight teams that have competed since 2000. This expansion aims to build on the momentum gained from the previous tournaments.
2029 Women’s World Cup Expansion
As part of this expansion, the 2029 Women’s ODI World Cup will feature 48 matches, a substantial increase from the 31 games held in the most recent tournament. This decision continues the ICC’s pledge made on International Women’s Day in 2021 to grow women’s cricket globally. Additionally, the Women’s T20 World Cup will also see an increase, expanding to 12 teams from the previous ten.
Record Attendance and Viewership
The ICC reported impressive engagement during recent events, noting that nearly 300,000 fans attended the Women’s World Cup, setting a new record for tournament attendance at any women’s cricket event. Furthermore, global viewership statistics surged, with an estimated 500 million viewers tuning in from India alone.
Cricket’s Role in the Olympics
Looking ahead to the Olympics, cricket will be represented in both the 2028 Los Angeles Games and the 2032 Brisbane Games. The 2028 Olympics will host a total of 28 matches across men’s and women’s competitions, featuring six teams in each category. These teams will be composed of the top-ranked sides from five regions: Africa, the Americas, Asia, Europe, and Oceania, alongside the host nation, the USA.
Upcoming Multi-Sport Events
- Asian Games 2026 in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan
- African Games 2027 in Cairo, Egypt
- PanAm Games 2027 in Lima, Peru
Additionally, discussions regarding cricket’s inclusion in the Brisbane 2032 Olympic Games are currently underway. ICC CEO Sanjog Gupta has been actively engaging with stakeholders to explore the integration of cricket into the Olympic program.
Mobile Gaming Initiative
In a separate development, the ICC has announced plans to initiate a bidding process for video gaming rights related to cricket. This move comes amidst ongoing tensions with the World Cricketers’ Association regarding player rights, particularly concerning Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) agreements. The ICC intends to foster collaboration with leading partners to create engaging digital experiences for cricket fans.
This trajectory of growth in women’s cricket and the multifaceted expansion into Olympic events signal a new era for the sport, reflecting the ICC’s commitment to inclusivity and development within cricket.
