Extending the reign of the UK’s ‘summer of sport’, the International Cricket Council (ICC) and the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has today launched a bold new global marketing campaign – Catch the Spirit.
Igniting excitement ahead of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup which will take place on home soil next summer, including the opening England vs Sri Lanka fixture at Edgbaston Stadium in Birmingham.
Tickets are now on general sale and fans can purchase tickets to the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026 HERE.
Featuring world-class stars Ellyse Perry (Australia), Hayley Matthews (West Indies), Lauren Bell (England) and Richa Ghosh (India) — with a special cameo from cricket legend Andrew Flintoff — the campaign showcases the infectious energy a country feels when a World Cup comes to town.
The tournament is set to offer hundreds of thousands of fans the chance to see the world’s best cricketers in action at world-class venues up and down the country, including Edgbaston, and is a huge opportunity to propel women’s cricket firmly into the mainstream.
As one of the host stadiums of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup and venue for the opening fixture, Edgbaston is also set to host the following games throughout the tournament:
Friday 12 June: England vs Sri Lanka
Sunday 14 June (double header): Qualifier vs Qualifier and India vs Pakistan
Wednesday 17 June: South Africa vs Pakistan
Ticket sales for the tournament have officially gone on sale today [18 September], with England and Wales set to play host to the best cricketing talent, with 33 matches over 24 days from the tournament opener on Friday 12 June at Edgbaston, Birmingham, to the final at Lord’s on Sunday 5 July. With demand already high across all matches, fans are encouraged to secure tickets early for what promises to be a historic moment in women’s sport.
Adam Lowe, Commercial Director at Edgbaston Stadium, said: “It’s an honour to be hosting the opening fixture of the Women’s T20 World Cup next year. We’re excited to support this new campaign, encouraging fans of all ages and backgrounds to ‘Catch the Spirit’, and get involved with the incredible activities set to be rolled out across our region.
“The support for women’s cricket in England has gone from strength to strength in recent years, and we’re looking forward to again delivering the unique Edgbaston atmosphere in 2026. Since hosting the Commonwealth Games in 2022, we’ve broken multiple records for Women’s cricket both at the 2023 Ashes and in welcoming new, diverse audiences to the stadium in 2024 and 2025 – we can’t wait to give more fans an amazing experience next year!”
England fast bowler, Lauren Bell, said: “For me, ‘Catch the Spirit’ means big crowds, big moments and big energy! Watching the girls win the 2017 World Cup is what motivated me to become a cricketer, and the opportunity to inspire fans across the country next summer is huge.
“We’ve seen the amazing impact the Lionesses have had on football, particularly after their home Euros – and we want this to be cricket’s moment!”
England bowler, Em Arlott, said: “I love playing at home in Birmingham. The atmosphere is unrivalled, the fans always show up, and we have had such tight contests there.
“Having a World Cup on home soil next summer is something we’re all really excited about. We know it’s a massive opportunity for us as a group as well as the sport more generally.”
Tickets are now on general sale and selling fast. Fans can get ready to catch the spirit by purchasing tickets to the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026 HERE.
High demand for 2026 Major Match tickets
India and Pakistan return to Birmingham in 2026 – and over 50,000 tickets have already been sold in our priority windows.
Fans can get access today with Membership, with Priority Club, still available for £35. Any remaining tickets will go on general sale on 15 October.