With just 50 days remaining until the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026 kicks off, over 7,500 children from 44 schools across the region celebrated Schools Cricket Day—marking the largest single-day cricket participation event in UK history.
This milestone event sets the stage for the highly anticipated tournament starting on 12th June at Edgbaston, with Bristol County Ground hosting six fixtures beginning 21st June. From first-time batters and bowlers in playgrounds to competitive matches on sports fields, schools across England and Wales united to play, learn, and embrace the true spirit of cricket.
In Bristol and Gloucestershire alone, more than 7,500 children took up bat and ball, including 16 schools participating in special cricket sessions at the Bristol County Ground. Activities ranged from cricket drills and art workshops to player Q&As, creating an immersive experience for young enthusiasts.
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Renowned cricket figures such as Heather Knight OBE, Lydia Greenway OBE, Alex Hartley, and Georgia Adams joined festivities in host cities, serving as inspiring role models who encourage girls to see cricket as a game for everyone.
Schools Cricket Day is integral to the ECB’s vision of leveraging the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup legacy to inspire the next generation of female cricketers. This year, the ECB aims to have 500,000 women and girls playing cricket, empower 300 women in leadership roles, and cultivate 500 Champions of Change via the Young Cricket Collective, fostering local volunteerism and leadership among young girls.
The day also featured bespoke games from the ICC’s global charity partner UNICEF, through the “Rights in Play” initiative, promoting awareness of child rights through cricket and play. These activities complemented a dedicated schools resource hub filled with cricket development ideas.
Melissa Story of Gloucestershire stated, “The ICC Women’s T20 World Cup is arriving in England, Bristol included, in just 50 days. Events like Schools Cricket Day are critical for inspiring children to take their first steps in a sport that has given me so much. The legacy of major tournaments like this is powerful, encouraging more girls and boys nationwide to fall in love with cricket.”
Councillor Heather Mack, Deputy Leader of Bristol City Council, noted, “Sport is a great equalizer, offering everyone the chance to excel regardless of background. Days like this build confidence beyond sport itself and inspire children to believe in their potential. For too long, opportunities in sport have favored men and boys. Though the gender gap in physical activity remains, it is narrowing—events like last year’s Women’s Rugby World Cup have accelerated this progress. We believe this summer’s T20 World Cup will similarly motivate young girls in Bristol to get active and confident through cricket.”
Gemma Barton, ECB Head of Strategic Growth, reflected, “Events like Schools Cricket Day show the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup’s impact on the future of cricket. Each child inspired today to pick up bat and ball experiences how inclusive and welcoming the game is. It’s not just about this summer, but also about growing participation, expanding teams, and creating a sense of belonging in cricket for years to come.”
Join the excitement and spirit of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026 – secure your tickets now and be part of this historic sporting celebration.