The International Cricket Council (ICC) has officially announced a major expansion of the Women’s One-Day International (ODI) World Cup, increasing the number of participating teams from eight to ten starting from the 2029 edition. This marks a significant step forward for women’s cricket, reflecting the rapid growth in global participation, audience engagement, and investment in the women’s game. The 2025 World Cup, hosted by India, saw record-breaking viewership and attendance, setting the stage for this expansion. The upcoming format change will also increase the number of matches from 31 to 48, giving more teams the opportunity to compete at the highest level.
According to the ICC, the decision is aimed at promoting inclusivity and providing a broader platform for emerging cricket nations to showcase their talent. It aligns with the ICC’s long-term vision of growing women’s cricket across continents, building stronger competition, and driving fan engagement worldwide. While the detailed qualification pathway and tournament format are yet to be finalized, it is expected that the qualification process will be restructured to accommodate the additional teams. The expansion will also bring logistical challenges, as hosting boards will need to manage more venues, matches, and travel schedules.
For India, which clinched its maiden Women’s World Cup title in 2025, the decision comes as an added boost to the sport’s momentum in the region. The expansion not only highlights the ICC’s confidence in the women’s game but also symbolizes a new era of global opportunity — one where more nations can dream of competing on cricket’s grandest stage. Overall, the move underscores the ICC’s commitment to making women’s cricket more inclusive, competitive, and globally celebrated than ever before.