India is set to begin its quest for a third straight ICC Under-19 Women’s T20 World Cup crown, with a tournament opener against the West Indies scheduled for January 22. The 2027 event, announced by the International Cricket Council on Wednesday, October 21, will take place in Bangladesh and Nepal from January 21 to February 6. Sixteen national teams are confirmed to participate, competing across 41 total matches at four distinct venues in Chattogram, Sylhet, and two separate grounds in Kathmandu. Sixteen teams are set to compete in 41 matches across four venues in Chattogram, Sylhet and Kathmandu (2 stadiums).
India, who secured titles in South Africa in 2023 under Shafali Verma and Malaysia in 2025 under Niki Prasad, joins Group A alongside Ireland, the West Indies, and co-hosts Nepal. Group B features Pakistan, New Zealand, South Africa, and Samoa, while Australia, Bangladesh, Nigeria, and the UAE occupy Group C. England, Sri Lanka, the USA, and Scotland make up the final group, Group D.
Tournament action begins on January 21 with four fixtures. Bangladesh will face the UAE in Sylhet, followed by a match between Australia and Nigeria. In Kathmandu, the Upper Mulpani International Cricket Ground will host Sri Lanka against Scotland, as well as an England versus USA encounter. Ireland faces Nepal on January 22 at the TU International Cricket Stadium in Kathmandu.
Following the group stage, which concludes on January 26, the top three teams from each group will advance to a Super Six round. From there, the two highest-ranked sides in the new groupings will progress to the semi-finals on February 4 at the Bir Shrestha Shahid Flight Lieutenant Matiur Rahman Cricket Stadium in Chattogram. A reserve day is set for February 5, with the final match scheduled for February 6 at 1:30 PM local time, followed by a final reserve day on February 7.
ICC CEO Sanjog Gupta highlighted the tournament as a vital pathway for emerging players to reach the elite level. He noted that the 16 teams will draw global attention, acting as inspiration for young female cricketers. Explaining the selection of hosts, Gupta remarked, “The choice of our hosts – Bangladesh and Nepal – is also reflective of the ICC’s belief and investment in the future of the cricket ecosystem. With deep passion for cricket and nearly 40% of the two countries’ populations below the age of 20, they serve as the ideal hosts for one of the world’s biggest youth sporting events.” Serving inspiration for their continued cricket journeys, these future stars representing 16 teams will garner the world’s attention and become relatable role models for many young girls playing the sport.
