A global symbol for a new era in women’s cricket
As the Canada Super 60 prepares to launch its inaugural season in Vancouver this October, the pioneering T10 cricket league has announced a landmark move: its inaugural Women’s Trophy will be named in honour of Australian cricket legend Mel Jones.
The Canada Super 60 is being positioned as the first T10 league to launch with both men’s and women’s tournaments in its inaugural season. The tournament will be held under the roof of BC Place from October 8–13, 2025. Featuring international stars alongside local Canadian talent, the event aims not just to entertain, but to make a meaningful contribution to the development of women’s cricket — especially in associate nations.
In its first edition, the league will establish an annual tradition of naming the Women’s Trophy after iconic figures in the women’s game. For the inaugural year, Mel Jones was the unanimous choice.
“This honour from Canada Super 60 truly humbles me,” said Mel Jones, in an official statement.
Recognising a legacy beyond the boundary
Jones’s impact on the game spans far beyond her years as a top-order batter for Australia. After representing her country in 61 ODIs and 5 T20Is, she became one of the most respected voices in cricket broadcasting. But her influence as an advocate and humanitarian has elevated her legacy even further.
In 2021, following the Taliban takeover in Afghanistan, Jones played a central role in helping evacuate members of the Afghan women’s cricket team. Working with international partners, she helped coordinate their safe relocation to Australia, provided resources, and co-founded the Pitch Our Future initiative to support their education and sporting aspirations.
Her efforts led to many of these players finding new homes abroad — including two who have since settled in Canada, aided by the Canadian government’s refugee support program.
Jones was formally recognised with the prestigious MCC Spirit of Cricket Award in 2025, but for Canada Super 60, naming the trophy after her carries deeper symbolic weight.
“To have the Women’s Trophy named after me is something very special. What excites me most is the vision behind this initiative – creating more opportunities and visibility for women’s cricket, especially in associate nations,” Jones noted in the official release
Empowering the future of associate cricket nations
Mel Jones sees the platform as a critical step in expanding the game’s reach.
“Platforms like Canada Super 60 will inspire and empower a new generation of players,” she said.
Looking ahead, she also expressed her hopes for Canadian cricket to develop legends of its own.
“My hope is that one day, a Canadian cricket legend will have this trophy named after them, as the women’s game continues to grow in this country,” added Jones.
League leadership aligned with Jones’s mission
The decision to honour Jones was deeply intentional, reflecting a shared mission between the former cricketer and the league’s leadership.
“We are grateful to Mel Jones for allowing us to name our Women’s Trophy after her. Mel’s leadership as a cricketer, broadcaster, and champion of women’s cricket has been exceptional. Her role in helping Afghan cricketers during a time of crisis is an inspiring example of what it means to use sport as a force for good. At Canada Super 60, we share her vision of developing women’s cricket, particularly in associate nations, and we are proud to carry this forward through our league,” said Abhishek Shah, Chairman of Canada Super 60, in an official statement.
The presentation of the Mel Jones Women’s Trophy will take place during the tournament’s inaugural edition in Vancouver. For a sport still gaining traction in Canada, the move sends a clear message: women’s cricket is at the forefront of the league’s vision — not just in name, but in purpose.
