ICC to expand Women's World Cup to 10 teams in 2029 after 2025 success

The International Cricket Council (ICC) has announced a big shake-up for the Women’s ODI World Cup: the 2029 edition will now feature 10 teams, up from the traditional eight. The decision comes after the blockbuster 2025 tournament, where India stunned the cricketing world by winning its first-ever global women’s trophy, beating South Africa by 52 runs in a thrilling final at Navi Mumbai on November 2.

The expansion is more than just numbers. The ICC wants to give emerging nations a bigger stage, boost competitiveness, and get more countries investing in women’s cricket. With two extra teams in the mix, fans can expect more surprises, more talent on show, and more nations dreaming big.

“The ICC board, keen to build on the success of the event, agreed to expand the next edition of the tournament to 10 teams (from 8 teams in 2025),” an ICC press release said.

“Nearly 300,000 fans watched the event in stadia, breaking the record for



tournament attendance for any women’s cricket event. The tournament also witnessed viewership growth and new records being set for on-screen audiences across the world, with nearly 500 million viewers in India,” the statement added.

The 2025 World Cup was nothing short of spectacular. India’s win made history as the first Asian team to lift the ODI trophy, and the numbers told the story: 446 million viewers globally, 21 million watching the final live, and 92 million CTV viewers. Fans packed the stadiums like never before, creating an electric atmosphere that proved women’s cricket can shine on the sport’s biggest stage.

With the move to 10 teams, more countries will get a chance to taste the thrill, the pressure, and the glory. India’s triumph in 2025 inspired millions, and now the ICC is giving the world a reason to dream bigger. The 2029 edition promises to be more inclusive, more competitive, and more fun — a true celebration of women’s cricket on the global stage.