The International Cricket Council (ICC) has unveiled a comprehensive new Women's Future Tours Programme (FTP) for the period 2025-2029, marking a significant step forward for women's cricket. This ambitious schedule outlines the fixtures for the fourth edition of the ICC Women's Championship, which will expand to include 11 teams. The FTP is designed to provide a clear framework for international fixtures across all three formats, fostering greater competition and offering players more opportunities to shine on the global stage.
A Boost for Tests
The new FTP promises a substantial increase in women's Test matches, reflecting a growing commitment to the longest format. While only four sides - England, Australia, India, and South Africa - have played a women's Test match in the past seven years, the West Indies will re-enter the Test arena in the next cycle. They are scheduled to face Australia in 2026, England in 2027, and South Africa in 2028. This marks a significant U-turn from the ICC's previous stance, which suggested that women's Tests wouldn't be a significant part of the future landscape. The inclusion of the West Indies, having only played 12 Tests in their history, demonstrates a clear intent to encourage more nations to commit to the longest format.
A More Structured Schedule
The new FTP aims to create a more structured schedule for women's international cricket, minimizing clashes with domestic leagues such as the Women's Premier League (WPL) and the Women's Big Bash League (WBBL). The BCCI's decision to move the WPL to late January next year has resulted in Australia adjusting some of their fixtures to avoid any conflicts. Australia, for instance, will not host another international series until February 2026, following the Women's Ashes, which concludes in early February next year. Dedicated windows have been created for the WBBL in November and the Hundred in August, ensuring that these important domestic tournaments can thrive without significant disruption.
Expanding the Global Landscape
Zimbabwe has been included in the FTP for the first time, joining the ICC Women's Championship and bringing the total number of participating teams to 11. This move marks a significant step toward broader global representation in women's cricket. The addition of Zimbabwe raises important questions about the criteria used for including teams in the top tier. Zimbabwe currently ranks below Netherlands, Scotland, and Thailand in the ICC women's ODI rankings, while Papua New Guinea is ranked higher in T20Is. The inclusion of Zimbabwe could encourage other nations to aspire towards greater participation in the international arena.
Introducing the Women's Champions Trophy
The new FTP introduces a Women's T20 Champions Trophy, which will be held in Sri Lanka in 2027. This tournament will feature six teams, likely determined by T20 rankings, and will be the first of three global events (including the Olympics and the 2028 Women's T20 World Cup) held within a 12-month period. The establishment of a Women's Champions Trophy was announced in 2021, but this is the first time that details about the tournament have been released. The decision to award Sri Lanka the inaugural edition follows their hosting of the 2012 Women's T20 World Cup, showcasing their commitment to hosting women's cricket events.
A Future Filled with Opportunity
The new FTP represents a significant step forward for women's cricket, promising more international matches across all formats and a greater focus on global representation. The inclusion of Zimbabwe and the re-emergence of the West Indies in the Test arena demonstrate a commitment to expanding the sport's reach and creating new opportunities for players from diverse backgrounds. The schedule also provides a clear structure for international fixtures, minimizing conflicts with domestic leagues and ensuring that both domestic and international cricket can thrive. The new FTP cycle is poised to usher in a new era for women's cricket, one that promises increased competition, greater exposure, and more opportunities for players to shine on the international stage.
A Celebration of Growth and Expansion
The new Women's Future Tours Programme is not just about the schedule; it is about celebrating the remarkable growth and expansion of women's cricket. The increasing number of Tests, the addition of Zimbabwe to the ICC Women's Championship, and the introduction of the Women's Champions Trophy are all testaments to the sport's progress and its potential for further development. The FTP provides a framework for the future, one that promises to bring more excitement, more challenges, and more opportunities for women cricketers around the world. It is a testament to the dedication and passion of the players, the commitment of the ICC, and the growing global appeal of the sport.
