London: In a spectacular celebration of women’s cricket, one of London’s most iconic landmarks was transformed into a cricket ground as the ICC launched the Women’s T20 World Cup 2026 with a unique Captain’s Carnival just days before the tournament begins.
For the first time in its history, Waterloo Bridge was converted into a live cricket pitch, replacing traffic with bats, balls and some of the biggest stars in the women’s game. Against the stunning backdrop of Big Ben, the London Eye and St Paul’s Cathedral, captains of all 12 participating nations gathered publicly for the first time ahead of the global showpiece event.
The landmark event marked the official countdown to the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup, which gets underway on June 12 with hosts England taking on Sri Lanka at Edgbaston in Birmingham.
Arriving on a traditional London double-decker bus, the captains stepped onto a specially constructed pitch in the middle of Waterloo Bridge and took part in cricket-themed challenges, fan engagements and promotional activities designed to showcase the growing popularity of women’s cricket.
The event attracted hundreds of fans, young cricketers and families from across London and other host cities, including Birmingham, Manchester, Leeds, Southampton and Bristol. Street cricket games, interactive activities and cultural performances transformed the bridge into a vibrant festival celebrating both cricket and diversity.
The Captain’s Carnival was designed to highlight the rapid growth of the women’s game and the ICC’s ambition to deliver the biggest and most impactful Women’s T20 World Cup in history.
ICC Chairman Jay Shah described the occasion as a landmark moment for women’s cricket.
“This is a fitting way to launch what we believe will be the most exciting and ambitious ICC Women’s T20 World Cup ever staged,” Shah said. “The event reflects our commitment to building a more inclusive and global game while generating excitement ahead of the opening match.”
ECB Chair Richard Thompson said the event demonstrated how far women’s cricket has progressed.
“Seeing all 12 captains together on one of London’s most recognisable landmarks shows the growth of the women’s game and where it is heading,” he said. “With just days remaining until the tournament begins, the event has set the stage for what promises to be the most attended and widely followed Women’s World Cup yet.”
The tournament has already generated unprecedented interest. Ticket sales have crossed 200,000 before a ball has been bowled, making this the highest-selling edition in the history of the Women’s T20 World Cup.
The expanded 12-team tournament will be played across England and Wales from June 12 to July 5, featuring 33 matches across seven venues, including Edgbaston, Old Trafford, Headingley, Hampshire Bowl, Bristol County Ground, The Oval and the final venue, Lord’s.
Defending champions New Zealand will be among the teams competing alongside hosts England, India, Australia, South Africa, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, the West Indies and other participating nations.
With Waterloo Bridge temporarily becoming the centre of the cricketing world, the message was clear: women’s cricket is no longer just growing—it is taking centre stage. As the countdown enters its final days, anticipation continues to build for what promises to be the biggest women’s cricket tournament ever staged.
