Captains brace for the Women’s T20 World Cup 2026

The build-up to the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup changed gears with a spectacular Captains’ Carnival in London ahead of the tournament opener on 12 June.

Following the extravaganza, captains of all 12 teams weighed in on several aspects of the game in relation to the 10th edition of the Women’s T20 World Cup.

For Bangladesh captain Nigar Sultana Joty, the tournament presents an opportunity to keep elevating the growth of women’s cricket in Bangladesh.

“Women’s cricket in Bangladesh is growing really fast as we have been playing through the years,” she said.

“It has actually inspired a lot of young players back home and looking forward for this T20 World Cup, I think we have a very good chance to play in this group.”

Bangladesh are slotted in Group 1 of the tournament alongside six-time winners Australia, South Africa, India, Pakistan and the Netherlands.

Pakistan captain Fatima Sana echoed similar sentiments as she lauded the ICC for helping the evolution of women’s cricket in Pakistan.

“If we play good cricket in this tournament, I think in Pakistan, people will be supporting us,” Sana said.

“I think the ICC takes a lot of initiative about women's cricket, so everyone knows about the game in Pakistan.

“And finally, we got the chance to host the next World Cup in Pakistan, so that’s also a good thing, so I think a lot really depends on this tournament.”

Also in the group are the Dutch, who are set to play in their first-ever Women’s T20 World Cup and know what is at stake in the upcoming tournament.