Saudi Arabia is preparing to host its inaugural professional women’s cricket competition in collaboration with FairBreak Global and the Saudi Arabian Cricket Federation (SACF). The five-year partnership will see the introduction of the Women’s World T20 Challenge starting from 2026, approved by the International Cricket Council (ICC).
The tournament will showcase six teams comprising players from over 35 nations, showcasing a notable expansion of Saudi Arabia’s presence in the global cricket scene. Scheduled for a two-week duration, the event is likely to take place in September or October, following The Hundred and preceding Australia’s Women’s Big Bash League (WBBL).
FairBreak, established in 2013 to advocate for gender equality in sports, has previously organized the FairBreak Global Invitational T20 in Dubai and Hong Kong in 2022 and 2023. Renowned players like Chamari Athapaththu, Sophie Ecclestone, Laura Wolvaardt, and Marizanne Kapp participated in the competition. However, Indian players were absent due to the BCCI’s refusal to issue No-Objection Certificates. Participation of Indian players in the upcoming league remains uncertain.
The collaboration between FairBreak and SACF is in line with Saudi Vision 2030 objectives, focusing on nurturing women’s cricket talent through structured programs, enhancing public awareness, and inspiring future generations. FairBreak views the new league as a significant advancement for women’s cricket globally, aiming to provide opportunities for players regardless of their background.
In recent years, Saudi Arabia has expanded its involvement in cricket, including hosting the IPL auction in Jeddah in 2024 and planning to host matches in upcoming ILT20 seasons. The Women’s World T20 Challenge is anticipated to establish a permanent fixture in the international cricket calendar.