The ninth edition of the Women’s T20 World Cup is all set to begin today October 3. The event is one of the most anticipated women’s sporting events to be hosted in the UAE.
Ahead of the competition's commencement, former India skipper Mithali Raj commented about the huge changes that the tournament’s landscape has undergone in the last couple of years. “The Women’s T20 landscape has undergone a lot of change over the years and the growing interest among fans is palpable,” said Mithali in a statement released by the International Cricket Council.
To be the first-ever Women’s T20 World Cup being played at a neutral venue, the Indian contingent is all set to begin its crusade to win their maiden trophy. “This tournament isn’t just about crowning champions—it’s about celebrating the hard work, dedication, and journey of women cricketers globally,” she said.
“I have seen from close quarters how the players have worked hard on their skills in this format and are excited to get close to the action and share my perspective and some interesting stories,” she further added.
The tournament will see Mithali as part of the commentary team for the tournament. She will be in the August company of Mel Jones, Lisa Sthalekar, Stacy Ann King, Lydia Greenway, and Carlos Brathwaite.
The rest of the broadcasting line-up includes heavyweights such as Anjum Chopra, Katey Martin, Sana Mir, WV Raman, Natalie Germanos, Ian Bishop, Kass Naidoo, Nasser Hussain, Alison Mitchell, and Mpumelelo Mbangwa.
Ahead of the tournament beginning, Mel Jones said, “The record-breaking increase in prize money now has the women earning the same as the men for match wins and finishing positions, a testament to the sport’s rising stature. I can’t wait to see the world’s best players battle it out on this huge stage, and I’m thrilled to be part of the commentary team for this historic tournament.”
India is a part of Group A along with six-time champions Australia, New Zealand, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka while Group B includes Bangladesh, 2009 winners England, South Africa Southern, West Indies, and 2016 winners Scotland.
The top two teams from each group will advance to the semi-finals in Dubai and Sharjah on October 17 and 18 respectively, before the final is played at the Dubai International Stadium on October 20.
A reserve day has been allocated for the semi-finals and finals.
