By: Adeel Khursheed
The road to the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2024 in Bangladesh continues as Spain welcomes the Women’s T20 World Cup Europe Qualifier from September 6 to 12.
France, Italy, the Netherlands, and Scotland will compete over six days in a double round-robin style to gain a spot in the Global Qualifier, which will offer teams a spot in the main event.
France showed off their rapid growth over the last two years by winning the ICC women’s T20 World Cup Europe Qualifier Division 2 earlier this summer.
Italy earned the second qualification berth for the Spain Qualifier in their first-ever ICC route tournament.
Over the last two months, the Netherlands has competed in bi-lateral and triangular T20I series against Scotland, Thailand, Ireland, and Jersey, with numerous young players making their international debuts ahead of the Spain event.
Scotland also competed in the T20I triangular in the Netherlands, and a big number of players were signed to professional contracts in England and Wales.
With the four teams turning in some great performances in the lead-up, this event looks to be a competitive affair.
“There’s a lot of momentum in women’s cricket across Europe right now, which is testament to the hard work of all our members,” said Andrew Wright, ICC Regional Development Manager – Europe.
“The two Europe Division 2 qualifiers (Italy and France) will compete against the two automatic qualifiers from the previous cycle (Scotland and the Netherlands) in this tournament.”
“It’s been fantastic to see the size of the pathway increase this year with eight teams participating, necessitating a Division 1 and a Division 2 event with Italy, Jersey, Turkey, and Sweden making their debuts in Jersey back in May.” “It’s a really exciting time for the women’s game.”
“Cricket Espaa is delighted to have the opportunity to host the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup Europe Qualifier in Spain,” stated John Howden, CEO of Cricket Espaa.
“Several members of the Spanish women’s national team have agreed to volunteer at this tournament, and we hope they will learn a lot and share their experiences with their peers from this prestigious event.”
“Cricket Espaa is working hard to promote female cricket and encourage them to play in future ICC Women’s pathway events in the not-too-distant future.”
“With the International Cricket Council recently announcing equal prize money for men’s and women’s events, there has never been a better time to invest in the development of women’s cricket.”
Cricket Espaa will continue to do so, offering parity with the men’s game in Spain at every opportunity.” “Our national women’s team has made significant strides in the last couple of years,” stated Monica Visser, CEO of Koninklijke Nederlandse Cricket Bond (KNCB).
“In terms of fixtures, 2023 was their busiest summer yet.” This summer, we hosted ODI and T20I series against Thailand, Scotland, Ireland, and Jersey. In addition, all of the national players competed in the inaugural Dutch Women’s Super League, in which three regional women’s teams competed in a competitive T10 and T20 competition.
“Special thanks to our sponsors for providing more opportunities for our national women’s players on and off the pitch.”
“I wish all participants good luck, but most importantly, a lot of pleasure in representing themselves and their teams in the spirit of the game.”
Squads that are taking part Marie Violleau, Ines McKeon, Amy Seddon, Tara Britton, Prabhashi Mahawattage, Anika Bester, Pooja Ganesh, Emma Patel, Blandine Verdon, Magali Marchello, Dorothea Graham, Malle Cargouet, Poppy McGeown, Lydie Templeman.
Kumudu Peddrick, Emilia Bartram, Sharon Withanage, Methnara Mudiyanselage, Dilaisha Mahaguruge, Chathurika Fernando, Pasindi Kanankege, Sadalee Liyanage, Gayathri Mudiyanselage, Suddahazai Khan, Sonia Toffoletto, Nimesha Asuramanage, Serena Thamel, and Dishani Samarawickrama are from Italy.
Heather Siegers, Isabel van der Woning, Robine Rijke, Eva Lynch, Iris Zwilling, Sterre Kalis, Babette de Leede, Caroline de Lange, Myrthe van den Raad, Hannah Landheer, Phebe Molkenboer, Merel Dekeling, Carlijn van Koolwijk, Mikkie Zwilling are all from the Netherlands.
Abtaha Maqsood, Chloe Abel, Ailsa Lister, Darcey Carter, Lorna Jack, Ellen Watson, Hannah Rainey, Priyanaz Chatterji, Megan McColl, Niamh Roberston-Jack, Maryam Faisal, Nayma Sheikh.
Match Schedule