ACC president Jay Shah announces launch of U-19 Women’s T20 Asia Cup

In a significant development for women’s cricket, the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) has announced the launch of the inaugural Women’s Under-19 T20 Asia Cup. The decision was revealed during the ACC Executive Board Meeting in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, under the leadership of Jay Shah, the ACC President. This new tournament is set to take place every two years and will act as a preparatory event for the ICC Women’s Under-19 World Cup.

The introduction of the Women’s U-19 Asia Cup represents a historic milestone in the development of women’s cricket in Asia. By providing a competitive platform for young female cricketers across the continent, the tournament aims to prepare these emerging talents for the international stage. The experience gained from this competition is expected to play a pivotal role in improving the performance of Asian teams in global tournaments.

Speaking about the launch, Jay Shah emphasized the importance of creating opportunities for young female athletes. He stated, “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.” The establishment of this structured pathway is a clear demonstration of the ACC’s commitment to promoting gender equality in sports and nurturing talent at all levels.

The Women’s U-19 T20 Asia Cup is seen as a groundbreaking step toward increasing the visibility of women’s cricket in the region. With more focus on youth development, the ACC is fostering an environment where young players can develop their skills and grow into international stars. By offering these cricketers early exposure to high-level competition, the tournament is set to enhance their readiness for future challenges on the world stage.

This two-yearly tournament not only provides a platform for young players but also helps solidify Asia’s position as a significant force in the global development of women’s cricket. The visibility and experience gained from such tournaments are crucial for the advancement of the sport, particularly in nations where women’s cricket is still developing.

The ACC’s decision comes at a time when women’s cricket is gaining momentum globally, with increasing participation, viewership, and support. The launch of the Women’s U-19 T20 Asia Cup is expected to further fuel this growth, inspiring the next generation of cricketers and helping to shape the future of the sport in Asia. With Jay Shah set to take over as ICC Chairman later this year, his vision for advancing women’s cricket will likely have a global impact, building on the foundation laid by initiatives like this one.

In conclusion, the introduction of the Women’s U-19 T20 Asia Cup marks a new era for women’s cricket in Asia. By offering young cricketers an international stage to showcase their talent, the ACC is helping to ensure a brighter future for the sport. This tournament will not only prepare players for the ICC Women’s U-19 World Cup but also serve as a catalyst for the continued growth and popularity of women’s cricket across the continent.