More tri-series, India hosting England & Australia, Zimbabwe debut and more in new Women's FTP for 2025-2029
The International Cricket Council (ICC) announced the Future Tours Programme (FTP) for women’s international cricket for 2025-29, with some big developments for the sport. The FTP will encompass over 400 matches, with an ICC tournament every year, starting with the Women’s Cricket World Cup in 2025.
The fourth edition of the ICC Women's ODI Championship, building towards the 2029 World Cup, will follow. It'll be expanded to 11 teams, with Zimbabwe making a much-awaited debut. They'll host South Africa, West Indies, Sri Lanka and Ireland and tour India, New Zealand, Bangladesh and Pakistan.
"We are delighted to announce the new Women's FTP. The ODIs within the Women's Championship will continue to provide both context and a pathway to the Women's Cricket World Cup 2029. The FTP also provides clarity for teams and the fans," said ICC General Manager Wasim Khan in the ICC Press Release.
India, meanwhile, will host England, Australia and Bangladesh apart from Zimbabwe and tour New Zealand, South Africa, West Indies and Ireland for ODIs in the 2025-29 cycle. The 11 teams -- Afghanistan the only miss from ICC full members -- will play 132 ODIs across 44 series in total, with each comprising three games.
The once-loved tri-series are back with a blast, too. England will host India and New Zealand in a T20I rubber ahead of the 2026 Women's T20 World Cup. Ireland, Sri Lanka and the West Indies will host three tri-series between 2026-28.
Separate windows for WPL, WBBL and Hundred in new FTP
Importantly, the FTP allows separate windows for major women's franchise tournaments. India's Women's Premier League (WPL) will be played in January-February from 2026, while England's The Hundred in August and Australia's Women's Big Bash League in November.
Moreover, as part of ICC's plans to have one major tournament every year, it has introduced a novel T20 Champions Trophy slated for Sri Lanka in 2027. This tournament, to be played only months before the LA28 Olympics which cricket is a part of, will feature six teams for 16 matches.
"It is heartening that Member Boards are keen to play across formats, and also that they have planned tri-series to prepare for ICC events. The effort made by the Members to provide a balanced and contextual calendar will further elevate the women's game. We thank Member Boards for their commitment and collaboration in finalizing the FTP," Khan added.
There will be more Tests too, with the West Indies getting three of them and making a return to the format after 2003-04.