The ICC Women’s T20I Challenge Trophy 2026 marks the inaugural edition of a new global tournament designed to provide Associate nations with a dedicated T20I platform. Scheduled from 18 April to 1 May 2026 in Kigali, Rwanda, the competition features 20 matches played with full T20I status.
Replacing the previous qualification pathway, it offers emerging teams valuable international exposure and a chance to compete at a higher level on the global stage.
ICC Women’s T20I Challenge Trophy 2026 – Tournament Details & Key Facts
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Tournament Name | ICC Women’s T20I Challenge Trophy 2026 |
| Edition | Inaugural Edition |
| Format | Double Round-Robin |
| Match Status | Full T20 International (T20I) |
| Start Date | 18 April 2026 |
| End Date | 1 May 2026 |
| Host Country | Rwanda |
| Host City | Kigali |
| Total Matches | 20 T20Is |
| Participating Teams | 5 Teams |
ICC Women’s T20I Challenge Trophy 2026 – Tournament Format Explained
The tournament uses a double round-robin format where each of the five teams plays every other side twice, totalling eight matches per team. No knockout rounds or finals are scheduled, the team finishing top of the standings after all 20 matches is declared champion. All matches carry full T20I ranking points.
ICC Women’s T20I Challenge Trophy 2026 – Venue: Kigali, Rwanda
All matches are hosted across two venues in Kigali: the Gahanga International Cricket Stadium (main ground) and the Gahanga B Ground (secondary ground). Both are managed by Cricket Rwanda and represent a milestone for Associate cricket in Africa. Daily play begins at 12:30 PM IST (first match) and 4:30 PM IST (second match).
ICC Women’s T20I Challenge Trophy 2026 – Full Match Schedule & Fixtures
The ICC Women’s T20I Challenge Trophy 2026 features a packed schedule with exciting matches across venues. Teams compete in a round-robin format followed by knockouts. Check the full fixtures, match timings, and updates here.
| SR.No. | Date | Match | Venue | Time (IST) | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Apr 18 | Italy W vs Rwanda W | Gahanga Int. Stadium | 12:30 PM | Italy W won by 16 runs (DLS) |
| 2 | Apr 18 | Nepal W vs USA W | Gahanga Int. Stadium | 4:30 PM | USA W won by 44 runs |
| 3 | Apr 19 | Rwanda W vs Vanuatu W | Gahanga B Ground | 12:30 PM | Rwanda W won by 41 runs |
| 4 | Apr 19 | Italy W vs Nepal W | Gahanga B Ground | 4:30 PM | Nepal W won by 50 runs |
| 5 | Apr 21 | Rwanda W vs USA W | Gahanga Int. Stadium | 12:30 PM | Rwanda W won by 1 run |
| 6 | Apr 21 | Vanuatu W vs Italy W | Gahanga Int. Stadium | 4:30 PM | Italy W won by 4 wickets |
| 7 | Apr 22 | Rwanda W vs Nepal W | Gahanga B Ground | 12:30 PM | Nepal W won by 2 wickets |
| 8 | Apr 22 | USA W vs Vanuatu W | Gahanga B Ground | 4:30 PM | USA W won by 53 runs |
| 9 | Apr 24 | Nepal W vs Vanuatu W | Gahanga Int. Stadium | 12:30 PM | Match yet to begin |
| 10 | Apr 24 | Italy W vs USA W | Gahanga Int. Stadium | 4:30 PM | Match yet to begin |
| 11 | Apr 26 | Rwanda W vs Vanuatu W | Gahanga B Ground | 12:30 PM | Match yet to begin |
| 12 | Apr 26 | USA W vs Nepal W | Gahanga B Ground | 4:30 PM | Match yet to begin |
| 13 | Apr 27 | Rwanda W vs Italy W | Gahanga Int. Stadium | 12:30 PM | Match yet to begin |
| 14 | Apr 27 | USA W vs Vanuatu W | Gahanga Int. Stadium | 4:30 PM | Match yet to begin |
| 15 | Apr 28 | Rwanda W vs Nepal W | Gahanga B Ground | 12:30 PM | Match yet to begin |
| 16 | Apr 28 | Italy W vs Vanuatu W | Gahanga B Ground | 4:30 PM | Match yet to begin |
| 17 | Apr 30 | Italy W vs USA W | Gahanga Int. Stadium | 12:30 PM | Match yet to begin |
| 18 | Apr 30 | Nepal W vs Vanuatu W | Gahanga Int. Stadium | 4:30 PM | Match yet to begin |
| 19 | May 1 | Rwanda W vs USA W | Gahanga B Ground | 12:30 PM | Match yet to begin |
| 20 | May 1 | Italy W vs Nepal W | Gahanga B Ground | 4:30 PM | Match yet to begin |
ICC Women’s T20I Challenge Trophy 2026 – Participating Teams & Squads
Five Associate nations from different ICC regions compete in this inaugural edition:
| Team | Region | Captain | Key Player to Watch |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rwanda Women | Africa (Hosts) | TBC | Henriette Ishimwe |
| Italy Women | Europe | Emilia Bartram | Emilia Bartram |
| Nepal Women | Asia | Indu Barma | Indu Barma |
| USA Women | Americas | TBC | Gargi Bhogle |
| Vanuatu Women | East Asia-Pacific | Rachel Andrew | Rachel Andrew |
Rwanda Women earned hosting rights off strong showings in ICC Africa qualifiers. Italy Women field a squad led by captain Emilia Bartram with a disciplined batting unit. Nepal Women, led by the experienced Indu Barma, topped the ACC Women’s Premier Cup pathway to qualify. USA Women blend US-born talent with players of Indian origin and a batting-heavy top order. Vanuatu Women, led by all-rounder Rachel Andrew, arrive as one of the form teams from the qualifying cycle.
ICC Women’s T20I Challenge Trophy 2026 – Live Streaming & Broadcast Details
Coverage is digital-first with no linear TV broadcast confirmed for India. Indian fans can stream every match live on FanCode. Global viewers get free access via ICC.tv.
| Region | Platform | Format |
|---|---|---|
| India | FanCode (App & Website) | Exclusive Digital Streaming |
| Bangladesh | FanCode | Live Streaming |
| Global (Select) | ICC.tv | Free Live Streaming |
Check the ICC official site for the latest updates on regional broadcasters.
Also Read:
Final Words: ICC Women’s T20I Challenge Trophy 2026 Started From April 18th!
The ICC Women’s T20I Challenge Trophy 2026 is a landmark event for Associate women’s cricket, giving five nations from across the globe their biggest T20I stage to date. With 20 full T20I matches across two Kigali venues, every contest carries real ranking points and competitive pride.
Bookmark the schedule, tune in via FanCode or ICC.tv, and follow all the action from 18 April to 1 May 2026.
