Following the success of the inaugural Women’s Under-19 T20 World Cup last year, a new major tournament is set to enhance the women’s junior cricket scene. The Asian Cricket Council (ACC) has officially launched the Women’s Under-19 T20 Asia Cup, a biennial tournament aimed at helping Asian teams prepare for the Under-19 World Cup. The announcement was made during the ACC’s executive board meeting in Kuala Lumpur on Wednesday.
Some media reports indicate that the first edition of the Women’s Under-19 T20 Asia Cup will take place in mid-December 2024. This tournament will serve as a precursor to the Under-19 T20 World Cup, scheduled for January-February 2025 in Malaysia. However, the exact venue and the number of participating teams for the Asia Cup are yet to be finalized.
ACC President Jay Shah expressed his excitement about the new initiative, stating, “This is a defining moment for cricket in Asia. The Women’s U-19 Asia Cup provides a vital platform for young female cricketers to hone their skills and display their talent. This move strengthens the future of women’s cricket in Asia and will have a far-reaching impact, not only within our member nations but globally as well.”