HAMPSHIRE'S Utilita Bowl has been confirmed as one of seven venues for the 2026 Women's T20 World Cup.

The Utilita Bow has been selected alongside Lord's, Old Trafford Cricket Ground, Headingley, Edgbaston, The Oval and Bristol County Ground.

The competition will kick off on Friday, June 12, before culminating at Lord’s, 33 fixtures and 24 days later.

An expanded competition will see 12 teams descend on England and Wales to compete for the prestigious trophy currently held by New Zealand.

The schedule of the tournament, which will see the teams competing in two groups followed by a knockout stage, is to be announced in due course.

Eight countries have already secured their place, with the final four participants to be decided through a Women’s T20 World Cup Qualifier next year.

England and Wales were awarded hosting rights for the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026 in 2022, with the seven host venues selected subsequently following evaluation of various criteria.

Jay Shah, ICC Chair said: “The confirmation of venues represents a defining moment as we build towards the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026.

"This tournament will bring together the world’s finest players in a celebration of skill, spirit and sportsmanship.

“The United Kingdom's rich diversity has always shown passionate support for all teams, something we witnessed so memorably at past events.

"The sell-out Women’s Cricket World Cup final at Lord’s in 2017 remains a landmark in the rise of the women’s game, and I cannot think of a more fitting stage for the final.

“As we turn our focus to preparing for the tournament, we are excited by the promise of thrilling T20 action that will not only captivate fans here but also serve as a showcase for cricket’s return on the Olympic stage in Los Angeles 2028.”