Since the final of the Women’s T20 World Cup in March 2020, the ICC women’s events will make a comeback as six teams will compete in the European qualifier on the road to the next Women’s T20 World Cup in South Africa 2023.
The ICC Women’s T20 World Cup Europe Qualifier which is two steps away from the 2023 tournament, takes place between 26 and 30 August and sees France and Turkey competing in an ICC women’s event for the very first time, alongside Germany, Ireland, the Netherlands and Scotland.
The event which also sees the first ICC pathway event taking place since February 2020 is being hosted at La Manga in Spain where the top team qualifies for the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup Qualifier in 2022.
Of the six teams participating, Ireland starts the tournament as the top-ranked team (10) in the MRF Tyres ICC Women’s T20 Team Rankings and take strong form into the event having overcome the Dutch Lionesses last month in Malahide (2-1 series win), and Scotland in Belfast back in May (3-1 series win).
Germany will also be feeling quietly confident going into the Europe Qualifier, having defeated neighbours France in their five-match series in Krefeld in July, extending the Golden Eagles’ unbeaten run to 14 matches.
The event will be live-streamed globally in partnership with IMG, ensuring more cricket from more nations than ever before is accessible to fans around the world.
The partnership will also deliver ICC women’s pathway event content for ICC digital channels providing the opportunity to attract new fans globally. Details of how to access the stream will be released in due course.
Commenting on it, ICC Head of Events, Chris Tetley said: “We are delighted to welcome the return of ICC pathway events to Europe with the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup Europe Qualifier starting at the end of this month, and in particular to see France and Turkey making history in competing in their first ICC women’s event.
“I would like to thank the host Cricket Espana, all the participating teams and everyone involved for their patience and hard work to get to this point.”
Meanwhile, France captain Emmanuelle Brelivet said: “I am looking forward to playing in an ICC event for the very first time, this is history for women’s cricket in France and we are excited to play against high quality teams. The whole French National team has worked hard for months to be ready for the qualifier after a difficult year with the pandemic.”
“We want to show cricket is a growing sport in France and we will give our best to succeed,” she added.