ACC Launches Women's U19 T20 Asia Cup: A New Era for Women's Cricket

The Asian Cricket Council has unveiled the Women's Under-19 T20 Asia Cup, aiming to boost women's cricket in Asia. Set to be held biennially, this tournament will offer young female cricketers crucial international experience. ACC President Jay Shah emphasizes its long-term impact on regional and global cricket.

In a significant stride towards fostering the growth of women's cricket, the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) announced the launch of the Women's Under-19 T20 Asia Cup on Wednesday. The decision was made during the ACC Executive Board Meeting in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, as stated in an official release.

In a progressive move, the ACC confirmed that the Women's U19 Asia Cup will take place biennially, serving as a key preparatory tournament before each ICC Women's U19 World Cup. This initiative aims to provide emerging female cricketers in Asia with international exposure, enhancing their readiness and contributing to better performances on the global stage. This groundbreaking tournament will also significantly boost the visibility and popularity of women's cricket in the region. For the first time, the ACC has established a comprehensive pathway for young female cricketers, underscoring its commitment to gender equality and talent nurturing.

Jay Shah, the newly-elected International Cricket Council (ICC) Chairman and current ACC President, highlighted the importance of the tournament, saying, 'Today marks a pivotal moment for cricket in Asia. The introduction of the Women's U19 Asia Cup is a monumental achievement, providing a much-needed platform for young women cricketers to develop their skills and showcase their talent. This initiative strengthens the future of women's cricket in Asia, and we are proud of the lasting impact these decisions will have, not only within our member nations but across the global cricketing community.'

(With inputs from agencies.)