Photo Credit: Cricket PNG
Commonwealth Games Federation and International Cricket Council announce qualification process
In a historic first, Women’s T20 cricket will be played at the 2022 Commonwealth Games scheduled from 28 July to 8 August in Birmingham, England.
The T20 tournament will feature eight teams, with England guaranteed a spot and the six other spots given to the top six teams in the ICC rankings by 1 April 2021. The other spot will be going to the winner of a Commonwealth Games Qualifier, the format and details to be announced shortly.
Cricket PNG CEO Greg Campbell said, “This is a great announcement from the Commonwealth Games Federation and the ICC. As the women’s game grows, it needs more global platforms to showcase its growth and development. Our Lewas are currently ranked 15 and were one win away from qualifying for the Women’s T20 World Cup in Australia earlier this year, we are looking forward to the ICC announcement on the qualifying process.”
With the impending Women’s Cricket World Cup Qualifier in 2021, The Commonwealth Games Qualifier is a welcome addition to the Lewas international schedule.
National Head Coach Joe Dawes said, “The women now have the Cricket World Cup and Commonwealth Games qualifying tournaments to look forward to. We are eagerly waiting for the details of each tournament, but the players, coaches and staff are looking forward to more international cricket for the Lewas. This is perfect timing with the Women’s Isuzu National Cup starting next week – there is added excitement around Cricket Haus and within the teams playing in the tournament.
Looking to build on the momentum of the 2020 T20 World Cup that saw over 86,000 people attended the final at the MCG, International Cricket Council (ICC), Chief Executive Manu Sawhney said “Cricket at the Commonwealth Games is a fantastic opportunity for us to continue to grow the women’s game globally. We are committed to accelerating this growth and maintaining the momentum we have created over the past few years…”
