Heather Knight told Sky Sports that England’s goal for the home‑hosted Women’s T20 World Cup, which kicks off in June, is to "create a real legacy for women's cricket in this country," mirroring the successes of the Lionesses in football and the Red Roses in rugby. This will be the first time England has staged the tournament since 2009, the year the team lifted the World Cup trophy, and it follows the women’s side’s triumphant 2017 50‑over World Cup campaign, which Knight captained.
Now, at 35, Knight observes that the environment for women’s sport has shifted dramatically over the past decade. The Lionesses clinched back‑to‑back European Championships in 2022 and 2025, the latter in front of a sold‑out Wembley Stadium, while the Red Roses captured the Rugby World Cup at a packed Twickenham in September. "The focus now is women’s cricket at the World Cup, so it’s really exciting, not too far away and a chance for us to do something special as a side," she said. Knight reflected on the rarity of playing a major tournament on home soil.
"It’s probably my second home World Cup, if everything goes well, and it’s just incredibly special. Friends and family can attend, we know the grounds and conditions, and that home support is crucial," she explained. She recalled the 2017 final at Lord’s, noting how the crowd grew throughout the event and how memorable that experience was. "It’s a chance to have a real impact on the sport in our country and leave a legacy.
If we do our job right and succeed this summer, we can cement a lasting legacy for women’s cricket here," she added. Knight also highlighted how recent achievements have begun to reshape the structure of the women’s game. "It took a little time for success to translate into change, but the landscape is very different now. The domestic game is professional, there’s a clear pathway beneath the international level, and being a women’s cricketer feels far more normal and visible," she said.
She hopes that a strong performance at the World Cup will reinforce these structures and inspire the next generation. "We want to do something similar to the Lionesses and Red Roses and make cricket a normal, great option for girls," she said, emphasizing the importance of role models. Despite a recent dip in form, the England women’s side is eager to approach the tournament with enthusiasm. "The mood’s good.
We haven’t played much cricket this winter since the 50‑over World Cup, so we’re itching to get back together, feel international cricket again and build toward the T20 World Cup," Knight remarked. She stressed the need for clear game plans and defined roles within the squad. "We’ll be talking a lot about handling the pressure of a home tournament, how to maximise it and attack the competition from day one," she added.
The excitement extends beyond the professional ranks. With 50 days left until the tournament, more than 236,000 children from over 1,350 schools participated in Schools Cricket Day, the biggest one‑day cricket participation event in UK history. Knight joined over 200 youngsters at a lively cricket festival at Raynes Park Sports Ground in London, taking part in drills, matches and meet‑and‑greets.
The day also featured UNICEF’s "Rights in Play" activities, teaching children about their rights through cricket‑based games. ICC Chairman Jay Shah praised the event, saying, "It’s fantastic to see excitement building across the UK ahead of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026. Schools Cricket Day has brought thousands of children into the game, many of whom may be taking their first steps in cricket today." He noted the tournament’s expansion from ten to twelve teams as evidence of the ICC’s commitment to growing the women’s game globally and creating more opportunities for players and fans.
Gemma Barton, ECB’s head of strategic growth, echoed that sentiment: "Moments like this show how the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup is shaping the future of the game. Every girl and boy inspired to pick up a bat and ball today can see how inclusive, welcoming and fun cricket is. It’s not just about the summer ahead; it’s about what comes next – more girls playing, more teams growing, and more people feeling they belong in the sport." Financially, the ICC announced a 10 % increase in the total prize fund for the 2026 tournament.
The champions will receive $2.34 million (£1.74 million) and the runners‑up $1.17 million (£871,000), matching the 2024 payouts. However, every participating side is guaranteed a minimum of $247,500 (£184,245), more than double the amount assured in 2024. While the top‑two prize money remains unchanged from the previous edition, the overall pot has risen from $7.958 million in 2024 to $8.765 million in 2026, reflecting the expansion to twelve teams. Tournament director Beth Barrett‑Wild described the 2026 event as a potential "landmark moment for the game – on course to become the most attended women’s cricket event in history, with record‑breaking ticket demand and the largest‑ever prize pot for a global women’s T20 competition." The prize breakdown includes $2.34 million for the winners, $1.17 million for the runners‑up, $675,000 for losing semi‑finalists, $31,154 for each group‑stage win, and a guaranteed $247,500 for each of the twelve teams.
In summary, Knight sees the home World Cup as a unique opportunity to cement a lasting legacy for women’s cricket in England, to showcase the sport’s growing professionalism, and to inspire the next generation of players. With enthusiastic fans, expanded participation programs, and a record prize fund, the 2026 Women’s T20 World Cup promises to be a defining chapter for the game both on and off the field.