City prepares to showcase its sporting prowess by hosting ICC Women’s T20 World Cup next year.
After successfully hosting England’s thrilling Test victory against India earlier this week, Headingley Stadium is set to shine once again on cricket’s global stage when it welcomes the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup in 2026. The renowned venue will play host to five exciting clashes featuring top international teams, including Australia, India, West Indies, Pakistan, and England, all competing fiercely for the esteemed trophy, currently held by New Zealand.
The thrilling cricket action begins on Friday, June 12, 2026, kicking off an exciting month of international matches at Headingley Stadium. Fans can look forward to the following fixtures:
June 17: Australia Women vs Qualifier (10:30 AM) and India Women vs Qualifier (2:30 PM)
June 18: West Indies Women vs Qualifier (6:30 PM)
June 20: England Women vs Qualifier (6:30 PM)
June 23: Australia Women vs Pakistan Women (6:30 PM)
People in Leeds and across the region now have the chance to secure priority access to tickets for the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup by visiting www.tickets.womens.t20worldcup.com The exclusive priority ticket window opened at 10 AM today and will close at midnight on July 8, providing a great opportunity to secure seats ahead of the general ballot for matches at Headingley and other venues nationwide.
The selection of Headingley Stadium as a host for this prestigious event further highlights Leeds’ growing reputation as a major hub for international sports. Recently, the city has successfully hosted significant events such as the AJ Bell World Triathlon Championship Series, Westfield Health British Transplant Games, several fixtures during the 2022 Rugby League World Cup, and matches from the ICC Cricket World Cup in 2019.
Hosting prestigious events like the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup significantly enhances Leeds’ stature as a major sporting destination and delivers substantial economic benefits to the city and surrounding region. The positive impact of such events is exemplified by the 2014 Tour de France Grand Depart, which generated over £100 million and led to lasting increases in tourism and business opportunities.
Furthermore, Leeds City Council actively collaborates with event organizers to implement comprehensive sustainability strategies, aligning with the city’s goal of achieving net-zero emissions.
Councillor Salma Arif, Leeds City Council’s executive member for adult social care, active lifestyles and culture said:
“Hosting the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup is great news for Leeds, enhancing our already-impressive track record of staging major events of all kinds. It’s a privilege to be among the many iconic venues up and down the country showcasing world-class cricket and propelling the women’s game into the mainstream – and hopefully inspiring new generations to get involved in the sport.
“With the opening today of the priority window to access tickets, now is the chance for fans across Leeds and beyond to snap up the opportunity to enjoy what promises to be thrilling days of cricketing action right here in city.”
Yorkshire CCC Chief Executive Officer Sanjay Patel said:
“We are delighted to be hosting five fixtures in the 2026 ICC Women’s T20 World Cup. Headingley has an incredible track record of hosting entertaining matches, and I’m sure it’ll be no different next summer.
“The opportunity to host some of the world’s best cricketers is really exciting, and I’m sure the population of Leeds and the surrounding areas will come out in their numbers to support the teams.
“Alongside this, the potential legacy that a tournament like this can have on the game is transformative and we will be working hard with a range of partners to maximise its impact.”
Tournament director Beth Barrett-Wild said:
“The ICC Women’s T20 World Cup provides us with an unparalleled opportunity to transform a month of sporting excellence into a movement that will rewrite the narrative about women’s cricket.
“At iconic venues like Headingley, we’ll see incredible, world-class athletes battling it out in front of hundreds of thousands of fans, who with every ball bowled and run scored, will be contributing to lasting change.
“It’s our opportunity to give women’s cricket the stage it deserves, and to inspire fans across Leeds to get involved!”
Leeds’ crowning of Headingley as a key venue underscores the city’s evolution into a global sports hub — underpinned by economic growth, inclusive values, and sustainability. With world-class cricket about to hit home, the city and its fans have much to celebrate.
