London, 28 April (H.S.): England’s women’s cricket team has not won an ICC global title since lifting the 50‑over World Cup in 2017, but captain Nat Sciver‑Brunt has made it clear that the goal for the upcoming T20 World Cup 2026 on home soil is nothing less than claiming the championship. The 12‑team tournament opens in June, and the hosts are determined to end their drought and transform the landscape of women’s cricket in the country.

“We want to win this summer”

Sciver‑Brunt, who took over as England’s all‑format captain in April 2025, replacing Heather Knight, described the T20 World Cup as the first global ICC event she will lead at home and the second major tournament under her leadership after the 50‑over World Cup in India and Sri Lanka last year. In that campaign, England fell short at the semi‑final stage, losing to South Africa.

Speaking to BBC Sport, she said: “We haven’t won as many titles as we would have liked since 2017, and obviously we want that to change this summer.” Emphasising the broader impact of a trophy win, she added that a successful campaign could reshape the image of women’s cricket in England and inspire a new generation of players. “A win can change the picture of women’s cricket in this country. It can be enough to inspire people on its own, and it can also change our team’s identity. We’ve done well consistently, but now we want to translate that into silverware.”

Sciver‑Brunt also expressed her ambition to build a sustained, elite‑level team rather than one that peaks only in isolated cycles. “I hope we can be a consistently strong side, and I want us to start that journey by winning the T20 World Cup,” she said, underscoring her intent to turn England back into a dominant force in global women’s cricket.

In the tournament’s group‑stage draw, England have been placed in Group B alongside defending champions New Zealand, West Indies, Sri Lanka, Ireland and Scotland. The hosts will begin their campaign on June 12 against Sri Lanka, in what is being seen as a crucial early‑stage marker of their title ambitions.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar