The Asian Cricket Council (ACC) has unveiled the inaugural edition of the Women’s U-19 T20 Asia Cup during its Executive Board Meeting in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. The tournament is set to take place biennially, serving as a precursor to each edition of the ICC Women’s U-19 T20 World Cup.
The introduction of this tournament is aimed at providing emerging female cricketers in Asia with vital international experience. The ACC believes that by offering these young players a platform to compete, the tournament will help improve their readiness and ultimately enhance the performance of Asian teams on the global stage.
This new initiative follows the longstanding tradition of the Men’s U-19 Asia Cup, which first took place in 1989. India has been the most successful team in the men’s tournament, winning eight titles. The Women’s U-19 T20 Asia Cup seeks to replicate the success and impact of its male counterpart.
In July, the Indian women’s cricket team faced a setback in the Women’s Asia Cup 2024, losing to Sri Lanka in the final. Despite this loss, the introduction of the Women’s U-19 T20 Asia Cup is seen as a significant step forward for women’s cricket in the region.
ACC President Jay Shah described the announcement as a pivotal moment for Asian cricket. He highlighted that this upcoming tournament will serve as an essential opportunity for young female cricketers to enhance their skills and display their talents. Shah highlighted that this initiative will have a lasting impact on women’s cricket within Asia and globally.
The Women’s U-19 T20 Asia Cup aims to foster the growth of women’s cricket and strengthen its future across the continent.
