Pakistan has been awarded the hosting rights for the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2028, marking the first time the country will stage the prestigious women’s tournament.
The decision was approved during a meeting of the International Cricket Council (ICC) Board in Ahmedabad, where members also endorsed several changes related to tournament scheduling, playing conditions, governance matters, and the growing influence of franchise cricket worldwide.
Under the existing hybrid model agreed upon for ICC events involving Pakistan and India, India’s matches during the tournament will be played at a neutral venue rather than in Pakistan.
Alongside the hosting announcement, the ICC approved a trial allowing the use of the pink ball in Test cricket, provided both participating teams agree. The move aims to reduce disruptions caused by poor light conditions during matches.
The governing body also increased the innings break in T20 Internationals from its current duration to 15 minutes, a change that will apply to future matches.
In women’s cricket, the ICC confirmed a revised schedule for the Women’s Champions Trophy 2027, which will now take place from February 14 to February 28, 2027, instead of its previously planned June-July window.
The board also approved an expanded Emerging Nations Trophy 2026, which will feature ten teams, including five Full Member nations and five Associate Member sides.
For men’s cricket, the ICC introduced a new 16-team global qualifying competition for the T20 World Cup, providing additional opportunities for emerging nations to compete for a place in the tournament.
On governance issues, the ICC suspended the membership of Cricket Canada over serious compliance concerns. However, Canada’s national teams will remain eligible to participate in ICC competitions during the suspension period.
The board further announced that a two-member ICC delegation will visit Bangladesh to review several matters, including the electoral process of the Bangladesh Cricket Board. A similar review visit to Sri Lanka has already been completed.
The ICC also expressed concern over the rapid expansion of franchise-based cricket leagues around the world and has established a dedicated committee to assess how international cricket can coexist sustainably with domestic franchise competitions.
For Pakistan cricket, the biggest outcome of the meeting remains the successful bid to host the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2028, bringing another major global tournament to the country and further strengthening its position as a host of international cricket events.
