Bangladesh’s women’s cricket team has received a major boost even before the conclusion of the group stage of the ongoing ICC Women’s T20 World Cup. Led by captain Nigar Sultana Joty, the side has secured direct qualification for the 2028 ICC Women’s T20 World Cup after finishing among the top four teams in its group. The next edition of the tournament will be hosted by Pakistan.
The qualification comes under the ICC’s revised pathway for future Women’s T20 World Cups. According to the new system, the top four teams from each of the two groups in the 2026 tournament automatically earn places in the 2028 competition. Bangladesh progressed from Group A alongside Australia, India and South Africa, while England, West Indies, New Zealand and Sri Lanka secured the four qualifying positions from Group B.
Sri Lanka claimed the final automatic qualification spot after edging Scotland in a dramatic group-stage encounter. Chamari Athapaththu’s side held their nerve in a tense final over to register a crucial victory and book their place at the next World Cup. Pakistan, as tournament hosts, had already secured automatic entry into the 2028 event.
The remaining direct qualification place will be decided through the ICC Women’s T20 International rankings, scheduled for publication on 6 July 2026. The highest-ranked team outside the already qualified nations and hosts will receive the tenth and final automatic berth. Based on the current rankings, Ireland is well placed to secure that position, making the Irish side the strongest favourite for the final direct qualification spot.
Bangladesh’s achievement reflects the steady progress the women’s national team has made in recent years. Direct qualification not only removes the uncertainty of navigating a qualifying tournament but also provides the squad with greater stability in planning for the next global event. It is another encouraging milestone for a team that has continued to improve its competitiveness on the international stage.
The ICC has also finalised the qualification structure for the inaugural Women’s Champions Trophy, which will be held in Sri Lanka in 2027. The hosts will be joined by the top five teams in the ICC Women’s T20 rankings as of 6 July. At present, Australia, England, India, New Zealand and South Africa occupy those five positions and are on course to qualify for the new tournament.
With the international women’s cricket calendar expanding and the standard of competition continuing to rise, Bangladesh’s early qualification represents a significant achievement. It highlights the team’s growing consistency and provides a strong platform as they prepare for future ICC events, including the 2027 Women’s Champions Trophy qualification race and the 2028 Women’s T20 World Cup in Pakistan.