Women’s T20 cricket included in Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games

In a historic deal made jointly by the world’s cricket governing body International Cricket Council (ICC) and England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB), Women’s T20 Cricket has found it’s way to the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games.

On Tuesday, the Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF) has announced that Women’s T20 cricket along with two other sports – Beach Volleyball and Para Table Tennis have been included in the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham.

Eight international teams will compete in the competition. The iconic Edgbaston Cricket Ground is the sole venue for all matches.

“Today is a historic day for the Commonwealth Games,” said Dame Louise Martin, the president of the Commonwealth Games Federation. “We are passionate advocates of women’s sport and para-sport so I am thrilled.”​

Manu Sawhney, Chief Executive of the International Cricket Council was exhilarated over the decision reckoning it as a ‘true historic moment.’

“This is a truly historic moment for women’s cricket and for the global cricket community, who were united in their support of this bid,”

“Women’s cricket continues to go from strength to strength, and we are delighted and honoured the Commonwealth Games Associations voted to include Women’s T20 cricket at Birmingham 2022,” he said.

The event marks the return of cricket to the Commonwealth Games for the first time since 1998, when South Africa won gold in a men’s 50-over format competition in Kuala Lumpur.

Tom Harrison, ECB Chief Executive Officer, commented, “We are delighted that Women’s T20 Cricket will be part of Birmingham 2022, an event that represents the biggest female and para-sports program in Commonwealth Games history. Today’s landmark announcement is another indication of the extremely bright future for women’s cricket.”

The Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games will take place in England from July 27 to August 7, 2022,

Women’s T20 Cricket has been confirmed for inclusion at the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games 👏 pic.twitter.com/2rTfeZ0tKn

— ICC (@ICC) August 13, 2019