Bangladesh and Nepal to Co-Host 16-Team Tournament from January 21 to February 6, 2027
Dubai, October 2026 : The International Cricket Council (ICC) has announced the schedule for the 2027 ICC Under-19 Women's T20 World Cup, with Bangladesh and Nepal set to jointly host the third edition of the tournament from January 21 to February 6. Sixteen teams will compete in 41 matches across four venues in Chattogram, Sylhet and Kathmandu, with India entering the competition as two-time defending champions.
The tournament will feature four groups of four teams each, with the group stage concluding on January 26. The leading teams will then advance to the Super Six stage, where the qualifiers will be divided into two groups. The top two teams from each Super Six group will secure places in the semi-finals.
India have been placed in Group A alongside Ireland, the West Indies and hosts Nepal. The defending champions will begin their title defence against the West Indies on January 22 at the TU International Cricket Stadium in Kathmandu. Nepal will face Ireland earlier that day, opening their campaign in front of home supporters.
Group B comprises South Africa, New Zealand, Pakistan and Samoa. Group C features Australia, Bangladesh, Nigeria and the United Arab Emirates (UAE), while England, Sri Lanka, the United States and Scotland have been drawn in Group D.
Bangladesh and Nepal to Open Tournament
The tournament will get underway on January 21 with four matches scheduled across the two host countries.
Bangladesh will face the UAE in the morning at the Sylhet International Cricket Stadium. Later in the day, Australia, runners-up in the previous edition, will take on Nigeria at the same venue.
In Nepal, Sri Lanka will meet Scotland at the Upper Mulpani International Cricket Ground, followed by England's match against the United States.
Matches will be held at four venues: the Bir Shrestha Shahid Flight Lieutenant Matiur Rahman Cricket Stadium in Chattogram, the Sylhet International Cricket Stadium, the TU International Cricket Stadium in Kathmandu and the Upper Mulpani International Cricket Ground in Kathmandu.
Morning matches are scheduled to begin at 9:30 am local time, while afternoon fixtures will start at 1:30 pm.
Semi-Finals on February 4, Final on February 6
The semi-finals are scheduled for February 4 at the Bir Shrestha Shahid Flight Lieutenant Matiur Rahman Cricket Stadium in Chattogram. February 5 has been designated as a reserve day for the semi-finals.
The tournament final will be played on February 6, beginning at 1:30 pm local time. February 7 has been kept as a reserve day for the title clash.
India will be aiming to extend their success in the competition as they seek a third consecutive championship. The tournament will also offer emerging players from participating nations an opportunity to compete internationally and demonstrate their potential on a major stage.
ICC Highlights Opportunities for Young Cricketers
ICC Chief Executive Sanjog Gupta said the Under-19 Women's T20 World Cup was an important platform for young players seeking to progress towards elite international cricket.
“The ICC U19 World Cup is the stage that showcases the future of our sport and serves as the ultimate platform for young players to make the leap towards elite careers representing their countries,” Gupta said.
He added that the 16 participating teams would attract global attention, while their players could become role models for young girls and encourage greater participation in cricket.
Gupta also highlighted the importance of selecting Bangladesh and Nepal as co-hosts, describing the decision as part of the ICC's investment in the future of cricket.
Both countries have a strong passion for the sport, while nearly 40 per cent of their combined populations are below the age of 20, making them suitable hosts for a major youth sporting event, he said.
The ICC said the complete tournament schedule and format graphics were available through its Online Media Zone. The competition is expected to provide a significant international platform for young women cricketers while supporting the continued growth of the game in South Asia.
