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Saudi Cricket to host ICC-backed Women’s World T20 Challenge in mega 2026 launch

Soumyajit Dutta

Saudi Cricket to host ICC-backed Women’s World T20 Challenge [Source: @Slayfi_HQ/X.com]Saudi Cricket to host ICC-backed Women’s World T20 Challenge [Source: @Slayfi_HQ/X.com]

Saudi Arabia will host a new global women's cricket tournament for five years starting in 2026. The Women's World T20 Challenge, organized in partnership with FairBreak, will be the first professional women's cricket event held in the country. The competition aims to feature players from more than 35 different nations.

Will Indian players participate in the tournament?

FairBreak, a private company focused on gender equality in sports, has previously run similar T20 events in Dubai and Hong Kong. While fully approved by the ICC, their past tournaments did not include Indian players, as the Indian cricket board did not grant them permission. 

It is still unknown if Indian players will join the new Saudi-based event. The new league is "in alignment with the ambitions of Saudi Vision 2030." Its main goals are to develop local women's cricket talent through training programs, inspire new players, and increase international collaboration in the sport.

What is FairBreak and what is its role?

FairBreak mainly runs and manages invitational T20 tournaments and also works on social and community projects. One key initiative is the "Captain's Cause" with SolarBuddy, which helps raise awareness about energy poverty and provides solar lights to children in remote areas so they can study safely.

Nevertheless, the move from FairBreak continues Saudi Arabia's growing involvement in cricket. The country, last year, hosted the IPL auction and is set to host matches for the ILT20 league, which actually signals for a strong push to become a notable destination for the sport.