ICC Announces U19 Women’s T20 World Cup Schedule for Bangladesh, Nepal

The International Cricket Council (ICC) has announced the schedule for the ICC U19 Women’s T20 World Cup 2027, with Bangladesh and Nepal set to jointly host the tournament from January 21 to February 6.

A total of 16 teams will compete in 41 matches across four venues in Chattogram, Sylhet and Kathmandu during the third edition of the tournament, the ICC said in a media release today.

The teams have been divided into four groups. Group A comprises India, Ireland, the West Indies and Nepal while Group B features South Africa, New Zealand, Pakistan and Samoa.

Group C includes Australia, Bangladesh, Nigeria and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Group D consists of England, Sri Lanka, the United States and Scotland.

The tournament will begin on January 21 with four matches. Bangladesh will face the UAE in the morning in Sylhet, followed by Australia’s match against Nigeria at the same venue. In Kathmandu, Sri Lanka will take on Scotland before England meet the United States.

Two-time defending champions India will begin their title defence against the West Indies on January 22 at TU International Cricket Stadium in Kathmandu. Hosts Nepal will open their campaign against Ireland on the same day.

Also on January 22, New Zealand will face Samoa, while South Africa will take on Pakistan in Chattogram.

The group stage will run until January 26, after which the qualifying teams will advance to the Super Six stage. The teams will be divided into two groups, with the top two sides from each group progressing to the semi-finals.

The semi-finals are scheduled for February 4 at Bir Shrestha Shaheed Flight Lieutenant Motiur Rahman Cricket Stadium in Chattogram, with February 5 designated as the reserve day.

The final will be played on February 6 at 1:30 pm local time at the same venue in Chattogram, while February 7 has been set aside as the reserve day.

The four venues are- Bir Shrestha Shahid Flight Lieutenant Matiur Rahman Cricket Stadium in Chattogram, Sylhet International Cricket Stadium in Sylhet, and TU International Cricket Stadium and Upper Mulpani International Cricket Ground in Kathmandu.

ICC Chief Executive Officer Sanjog Gupta said the tournament would provide a platform for emerging players from 16 teams to showcase their talent and take steps towards elite international careers.

“The ICC U19 World Cup is the stage that showcases the future of our sport and serves as the ultimate platform for young players to make the leap towards elite careers representing their countries. These future stars representing 16 teams will garner the world's attention and become relatable role models for many young girls playing the sport, serving inspiration for their continued cricket journeys,” Gupta said.

"The choice of our hosts – Bangladesh and Nepal – is also reflective of the ICC's belief and investment in the future of the cricket ecosystem. With deep passion for cricket and nearly 40% of the two countries' populations below the age of 20, they serve as the ideal hosts for one of the world's biggest youth sporting events."