The ICC is set to expand the Women’s Emerging Nations Trophy from eight teams to 10 for its next edition later this year, according to a report by Cricbuzz journalist Vijay Tagore, with five Full Member nations joining the competition as part of the governing body’s broader push to strengthen the women’s game globally. The tournament is scheduled to take place in November and will feature a mix of established international sides and emerging Associate teams.
Five Full Member nations added to expanded tournament
Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Zimbabwe and Ireland are set to participate in the upcoming competition alongside the Netherlands, Scotland, Thailand, the UAE and Papua New Guinea. The revised structure marks a significant change from the inaugural edition, which was contested exclusively by Associate nations in Bangkok last year.
The expansion is expected to provide developing players with increased exposure against stronger opposition while also creating a more competitive environment across the tournament. The addition of Full Member teams further reflects the ICC’s attempt to widen the women’s cricket talent pipeline beyond traditional global events.
Women’s cricket growth remains a major ICC priority
The tournament expansion comes amid the ICC’s wider efforts to accelerate investment into women’s cricket following the commercial success and global audience growth generated by the 2025 Women’s World Cup. The governing body has increasingly prioritised the development of international structures designed to strengthen participation and long-term competitiveness within the women’s game.
According to the report, ICC executives also received presentations focused on future growth strategies for women’s cricket during the recent Chief Executives Committee meeting. Those discussions included long-term planning around commercial expansion and development opportunities connected to the women’s game.
The ICC additionally reviewed aspects of its wider commercial strategy, including plans connected to data monetisation and digital growth initiatives. The discussions form part of ongoing efforts to create stronger long-term revenue streams for international cricket.
Thailand return as defending champions
Thailand will enter the next edition as defending champions after winning the inaugural Women’s Emerging Nations Trophy in Bangkok in November 2025. The hosts finished level on points with the UAE, Scotland and the Netherlands before securing the title on net run rate.
The first edition of the competition also featured Namibia, Uganda and Tanzania and ran from November 20 to November 30. The tournament represented one of the ICC’s early attempts to establish a more consistent international platform for developing women’s teams outside the sport’s established powers.
Expanded competition expected to raise standards
The inclusion of both Full Member and Associate teams is likely to increase the overall standard of the tournament while giving emerging players more opportunities to compete in high-level international environments. The revised format also signals a broader shift toward deeper competitive structures within women’s cricket as the ICC continues expanding its long-term development framework.
