ICC shifts 2022 T20 World Cup to February 2023

The decision comes in after the 2021 Women’s World Cup was postponed for a year due to the global COVID-19 pandemic. If the T20 World Cup would have happened in 2022, then there would be three major events including the Birmingham Commonwealth Games in July 2022.

Since there are no major women’s events in 2023, the apex body in recommendation with ICC Cricket Committee, headed by Anil Kumble, decided to make the switch so that to support player preparation and to continue to build the momentum around the women’s game beyond 2022.

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“Moving the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup to 2023 makes perfect sense on a number of levels,” ICC CEO Manu Sawhney said. “Firstly, it will provide a better workload balance for players giving them the best possible opportunity to perform to the highest levels on a global stage. Secondly, we can continue to build the momentum around the women’s game through 2022 and into 2023.”

“We are committed to fueling the growth of the women’s game and today’s decision enables us to do that over the longer term,” he added. Earlier, the World Cup Qualifier which was scheduled to happen in Sri Lanka in July, was also postponed.

The ICC also confirmed that a minimum age restriction will be introduced to international cricket-including ICC events, bilateral cricket and Under-19 events- to safeguard the players mental development and well-being. The play now will have to be of a minimum age of 15 to represent men, women's or Under-19 sides in international cricket.
Board members can apply for exemption in case of exceptional circumstances where the player in question is proven to be capable of adjusting to the demands of international cricket.