ICC Women's T20 World Cup 2024 Schedule, squads

Amidst significant political and social upheaval in Bangladesh, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's resignation and departure from the country triggered widespread unrest. This instability led the International Cricket Council (ICC) to relocate the Women’s T20 World Cup 2024, initially scheduled to begin on October 3 in Bangladesh. With several nations expressing interest in hosting the tournament, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) was ultimately selected as the new venue. Alongside the change in location, the ICC also adjusted the tournament schedule to accommodate the new host country. According to the revised schedule released on August 26, 2024, the tournament will kick off with Bangladesh playing against Scotland in Sharjah. On the same day, Pakistan will begin their campaign with a match against Sri Lanka, also in Sharjah. India will make their debut on October 4, facing New Zealand in Dubai.

Defending champions Australia, who have never previously played a T20 World Cup match in the UAE, will start their tournament against Sri Lanka on October 5 in Sharjah. England, another top contender, will open their World Cup journey on the same day, playing against Bangladesh. These scheduling changes reflect the ICC’s efforts to ensure a seamless tournament experience despite the political turmoil in Bangladesh. The UAE's hosting provides a stable environment for the competition and allows teams to showcase their talent in a new setting.

The highly anticipated clash between India and Pakistan is set for October 6, with the match scheduled for the afternoon in Dubai. This encounter is expected to be a standout moment of the Women’s T20 World Cup 2024. India, led by captain Harmanpreet Kaur, will also face the reigning Asian champions, Sri Lanka, on October 9. Their final group stage match will be against Australia on October 13, which will be held in Sharjah.

The tournament will feature two semi-finals, with the first semi-final taking place in Dubai on October 17. This game is particularly crucial for India, as it is designated as their semi-final, pending their qualification from the group stage. The second semi-final is scheduled for Sharjah on October 18. Both semi-finals will have a reserve day, a notable change from the men’s T20 World Cup, where reserve days were not included. The final of the Women’s T20 World Cup is set to be held in Dubai on October 20. Teams are expected to arrive in the UAE during the last week of September to prepare for the tournament. Warm-up matches are slated to begin on September 28, providing teams with the opportunity to acclimate to the conditions and refine their strategies before the World Cup commences. This preparation period will be crucial for teams as they gear up for what promises to be an exciting and competitive tournament.

ICC Women's T20 World Cup 2024 squads

Australia Women squad: Alyssa Healy (c), Darcie Brown, Ash Gardner, Kim Garth, Grace Harris, Alana King, Phoebe Litchfield, Tahlia McGrath (vc), Sophie Molineux, Beth Mooney, Ellyse Perry, Megan Schutt, Annabel Sutherland, Tayla Vlaeminck, Georgia Wareham.

India Women squad: Harmanpreet Kaur (c), Smriti Mandhana, Shafali Verma, Deepti Sharma, Jemimah Rodrigues, Richa Ghosh, Yastika Bhatia (subject to fitness), Pooja Vastrakar, Arundhati Reddy, Renuka Singh Thakur, Dayalan Hemalatha, Asha Sobhana, Radha Yadav, Shreyanka Patil (subject to fitness), Sajana Sajeevan.

Pakistan Women squad: Fatima Sana (c), Aliya Riaz, Diana Baig, Gull Feroza, Iram Javed, Muneeba Ali, Nashra Sundhu, Nida Dar, Omaima Sohail, Sadaf Shamas, Sadia Iqbal (subject to fitness), Sidra Amin, Syeda Aroob Shah, Tasmia Rubab, Tuba Hassan. Traveling reserve: Najiha Alvi (wk). Non-traveling reserves: Rameen Shamim, Umm-e-Hani.

England Women squad: Heather Knight (c), Danni Wyatt, Sophia Dunkley, Nat Sciver-Brunt, Alice Capsey, Amy Jones (wk), Sophie Ecclestone, Charlie Dean, Sarah Glenn, Lauren Bell, Maia Bouchier, Linsey Smith, Freya Kemp, Dani Gibson, Bess Heath.

ICC Women's T20 World Cup 2024 schedule