India's head coach Amol Muzumdar has acknowledged the need for a complete strategic overhaul in the T20 format following the women's team's disappointing group-stage exit from the T20 World Cup.
For greater good, Harmanpreet can make way for Smriti as captain: Shantha Rangaswamy
The Pakistan women's cricket team is reportedly facing significant internal disagreements and a tense environment during the Women's T20 World Cup in England. Amidst a winless streak, reports highlight clashes between team mentor Wahab Riaz and captain Fatima Sana over selection and disciplinary matters, alongside broader issues of team groupings and coaching frustrations. This mirrors past problems in Pakistani cricket, exacerbated by frequent coaching changes.
Richa Ghosh produced a breathtaking late assault but India's brittle top-order batting proved costly as Dani Gibson's sparkling all-round show powered England to a narrow five-run win in their final Women's T20 World Cup warm-up match in Cardiff on Wednesday.
South Africa defeated India by nine wickets in the third women's T20 International, securing an unassailable 3-0 lead in the five-match series. Laura Wolvaardt's century led the charge, overshadowing India's highest-ever total against South Africa.
The 10th edition of the ICC Women's T20 World Cup, starting on June 12 in England, offers several exciting possibilities. Take a look at the contenders and challengers.
The ICC Women's T20 World Cup 2026 begins in England with Australia chasing a seventh title and India targeting a historic double. England, South Africa and New Zealand add to what promises to be the most competitive edition yet.
India women's cricket team head coach Amol Muzumdar said the team would return richer in 'learnings' despite a 1-4 defeat against South Africa women. He identified the team's inability to strike in the powerplay and lapses in finishing with the bat as key areas of concern.
Harmanpreet was quick to highlight fielding as the area that India needs to address quickly before facing South Africa and Australia on Thursday and Sunday, respectively.
This time, Harmanpreet Kaur and Pakistan skipper Fatima Sana are unlikely to exchange even the most basic pleasantries.
'Now, the sport has the opportunity to transcend barriers -- of gender, of perception, of accessibility.'
Sharma, who grabbed eyeballs during the Women's Premier League 2026 season with a haul of 17 wickets, said she was overwhelmed by the selection and credited her family and coaches for their constant support.
India's top order did not take responsibility to bat well against South Africa, captain Harmanpreet Kaur said after her side lost by three wickets.
For spin great Neetu David it was a culmination of a lifelong dream -- to see the India women's team finally end their wait for a World title.
On Monday, May 25, President Droupadi Murmu presented the Padma Vibhushan, Padma Bhushan and Padma Shri awards for the year 2026 at the Civil Investiture Ceremony-I held at Rashtrapati Bhavan.
Smriti Mandhana and Shafali Verma sizzled with the bat as India coasted to an emphatic 95-run win over the Netherlands in their Women's T20 World Cup match.
South Africa defeated India by 23 runs in the fifth T20I to win the series 4-1, with Laura Wolvaardt's unbeaten 92 leading the charge. India's batting lineup struggled, failing to chase a modest target of 156.
Half-centuries from Harleen Deol and skipper Harmanpreet Kaur helped India secure a four-wicket win via the DLS Method in their second ICC Women's World Cup warm-up match in Bengaluru on Saturday.
South Africa defeated India by six wickets in the opening match of the Women's T20 series, with captain Laura Wolvaardt leading the charge. India's batting lacked momentum, and their bowling attack struggled with indiscipline, allowing South Africa to comfortably chase down the target.
Former cricketer Reema Malhotra believes the Indian women's cricket team is a strong contender to win the upcoming ICC Women's T20 World Cup, largely because of its strong spin bowling resources.
India opener Shafali Verma has climbed two places to sixth in the ICC Women's T20I Batting Rankings after her half-century against South Africa.
Former India captain Mithali Raj has expressed concerns over the Indian women's cricket team's bowling department, citing a lack of "role clarity" ahead of crucial ICC Women's T20 World Cup matches. She believes bowling is India's weakest link, especially with Shreyanka Patil's injury and an out-of-form seam attack, while praising the batting strength led by Smriti Mandhana and Richa Ghosh.
The ICC Women's T20 World Cup 2026 is set to bring together the world's top teams for a month of fast-paced, high-stakes cricket, as they compete for the biggest prize in the shortest format of the game.
India had beaten China 4-3 in their campaign opener on Friday.
Former India captain Anjum Chopra believes the Indian women's cricket team are favourites for the upcoming T20 World Cup, highlighting their familiarity with English conditions and the return of key players.
Former captain Diana Edulji believes openers Smriti Mandhana and Shafali Verma finding form quickly will be imperative and crucial to India's chances of winning the Women's T20 World Cup.
India skipper Harmanpreet Kaur knows that fans have placed heaps of expectations on her side ahead of the upcoming ICC Women's ODI World Cup at home, and she wants to enjoy the moment without succumbing to the pressure to land a maiden title.
Indian cricketer Jemimah Rodrigues discusses the team's motivation and preparation for the upcoming ICC Women's T20 World Cup, highlighting the importance of consistent training and the emergence of key players like Nandani. The team aims to build on their previous success and overcome challenges, including the absence of injured player Amanjot.
Indian batter Jemimah Rodrigues admitted the team was short of runs in the opening women's T20I against South Africa, but emphasised the series offers a valuable opportunity for the batting unit, especially the allrounders, to prepare for the upcoming World Cup.
Jemimah Rodrigues and Yastika Bhatia scored half-centuries, and debutant Nandani Sharma impressed with the ball as India defeated England by 38 runs in the first T20I.
India have announced their 15-player squad for the upcoming Women's T20 World Cup, which will be held in England and Wales, beginning June 12. Uncapped Nandini Sharma and wicketkeeper batter Yastika Bhatia have been drafted into the squad, while Pratika Rawal has been excluded. Harmanpreet Kaur will lead the squad, with Smriti Mandhana as her deputy.
Hockey India has announced a 36-member core probable group for the upcoming senior men's national coaching camp, scheduled to be held in Bengaluru from April 20 to May 9.
Yastika Bhatia made a remarkable comeback from an ACL injury, scoring a match-winning half-century against England in the first women's T20I. Bhatia's resilience and partnership with Jemimah Rodrigues led India to a 38-run victory.
Virat Kohli has emerged as the highest earner in IPL history, grossing Rs 230 crore. Kolkata Knight Riders leads franchise valuations at over Rs 19,200 crore.
India will search for a spark of magic reminiscent of skipper Harmanpreet Kaur's legendary knock eight years ago as they take on the mighty Australia in the World Cup semi-final on Thursday.
Potential windfall for women's squad: BCCI might match prize money of T20 WC winning men's team
Virat Kohli has emerged as the highest earner in IPL history, grossing Rs 230 crore. Kolkata Knight Riders leads franchise valuations at over Rs 19,200 crore. The average IPL team valuation is projected to jump to USD 15 billion by 2032.
Yuvraj, Mithali give pointers for Indian women's at the Trophy unveiling ceremony in Mumbai on Monday. The ICC Women's World Cup commences on September 30.
Punjab Kings co-owner Mohit Burman has expressed the franchise's interest in owning a team in the Women's Premier League at some point, despite the BCCI's current stance against immediate expansion.
Deepti Sharma's stellar all-round performance, including a maiden five-wicket haul, led India to a 14-run victory over South Africa in the fourth women's T20I. Despite South Africa already securing the series, Deepti's contributions with both bat and ball proved decisive.
