The International Cricket Council (ICC) has announced a major structural change for the Women’s ODI World Cup 2029, confirming that the tournament will now feature 10 teams instead of the previous eight. The decision comes after the extraordinary success of the 2025 Women’s World Cup, where India lifted their maiden ODI title with a 52-run victory over South Africa in Navi Mumbai.
The ICC revealed that the 2025 edition attracted the highest-ever viewership for a women’s cricket event. Nearly 3 lakh spectators attended matches in stadiums, while digital and broadcast numbers reached historic levels. More than 50 crore viewers in India alone watched the tournament on TV and streaming platforms, making it the most-watched women’s cricket event in history.
The digital numbers broke all past records. According to official broadcasters, the Women’s World Cup 2025 generated 44.6 crore digital viewers, surpassing the combined total of the previous three editions. The final itself drew 2.1 crore live viewers on digital platforms, with additional 9.2 crore connected-TV viewers, matching the viewership of major men’s ICC finals.
Encouraged by these results, the ICC Board agreed to increase the number of participating teams to promote global growth, competitiveness, and more opportunities for emerging cricketing nations. The expansion also reflects the rapid rise of women’s cricket worldwide and the momentum the sport has gained in the last few years.
In addition to the World Cup changes, the ICC confirmed that cricket will be included in the 2027 African Games in Cairo and the 2027 Pan-American Games in Lima, giving the sport a stronger presence in global multi-sport platforms. These developments come shortly after cricket was reinstated for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, further boosting the sport’s international reach.
The ICC also announced appointments to its Women’s Cricket Committee, including legendary former India captain Mithali Raj, alongside prominent administrators and coaches from around the world.
The Women’s ODI World Cup 2029 is expected to build on the remarkable success of the 2025 edition, with a broader competition format and increased global participation—marking a new era for women’s cricket.
