Heather Knight has shared England's goal for the upcoming home Women's T20 World Cup, which kicks off in June, saying the board wants to "create a genuine legacy for women's cricket in this nation," mirroring the achievements of the Lionesses in football and the Red Roses in rugby. England will host the tournament for the first time since the 2009 edition—a World Cup they lifted on home soil. The women's side also delivered a memorable victory in the 50‑over World Cup in 2017, a competition captained by Knight herself. Now 35, Knight observes that the environment for women's sport has shifted dramatically since those earlier triumphs.
The Lionesses have secured 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 in front of a packed Twickenham crowd last September. "The focus is on women's cricket at the World Cup, which is incredibly exciting and feels close at hand. It gives us a chance to do something truly special as a team," Knight told Sky Sports.
"I would say it’s a once‑in‑a‑career moment, but this will probably be my second home tournament, if everything goes well. Playing at home is extraordinary—family and friends can attend, we know the venues and conditions, and the home crowd support is vital." She recalled the 2017 triumph, noting how the crowds grew throughout the tournament and how the final at Lord's felt "super special." Knight believes the current event offers a chance to make a lasting impact on the sport within England.
"If we perform well this summer, we can leave a real legacy for women's cricket in this country," she said. Knight also highlighted how success has gradually translated into structural change.
"It took a while for the victories to bring about tangible shifts, but the landscape is now very different, especially in women's cricket. The domestic game is professional, the pathways are clearer, and being a female cricketer feels far more normal and visible than it did a decade ago." She added, "We hope that if we succeed, the infrastructure already in place will allow us to maximise the moment. Watching the Lionesses and Red Roses achieve greatness has inspired us, and we want to replicate that impact—making cricket a normal, celebrated choice for girls." Despite a recent dip in form, Knight emphasized the team's determination to approach the home World Cup with enthusiasm and resilience. "The mood in the camp is positive.
We haven’t played much cricket this winter after the 50‑over World Cup, so we’re eager to get back together, feel the rhythm of international cricket again, and build momentum toward the T20 tournament." She spoke about the importance of team cohesion: "Getting the squad together will be fun, and we’ll clarify our strategies and individual roles. Embracing the pressure of a home World Cup will be crucial. We’ll have many conversations about handling that pressure and how to attack the tournament from the outset." The build‑up to the event is already generating excitement across the country.
With 50 days remaining, Schools Cricket Day saw more than 236,000 children from over 1,350 schools pick up a bat and ball on a single day—the largest cricket participation day in UK history. Knight joined over 200 youngsters at a vibrant festival at Raynes Park Sports Ground in London, taking part in drills, matches, and meet‑and‑greet sessions. The day also featured interactive resources from UNICEF’s "Rights in Play" programme, designed to teach child‑rights concepts through cricket activities.
ICC Chairman Jay Shah praised the initiative, noting, "It’s fantastic to see the excitement building across the UK ahead of the 2026 Women’s T20 World Cup. Schools Cricket Day has introduced thousands of children to the sport, many of whom may be taking their first steps in cricket today. Expanding the tournament from ten to twelve teams underscores our commitment to growing the women's game globally and creating more opportunities for players and fans alike." Gemma Barton, the ECB’s head of strategic growth, echoed this sentiment: "Moments like this show how the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup is shaping the future of the game.
Every child who picks up a bat today sees how inclusive, welcoming, and fun cricket can be. It’s not just about the summer ahead; it’s about the lasting legacy—more girls playing, more teams developing, 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 compared with 2024. The champions will receive $2.34 million (£1.74 million), while the runners‑up will earn $1.17 million (£871,000). All twelve participating nations are guaranteed a minimum of $247,500 (£184,000), more than double the amount assured in 2024.
Although 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 event as a "landmark moment for the game," predicting it will become the most attended women’s cricket event ever, with record ticket demand and the largest prize pool for a global women’s T20 competition. Prize distribution details are as follows: - Winners: $2,340,000 (£1,742,238) - Runners‑up: $1,170,000 (£871,119) - Losing semi‑finalists: $675,000 (£502,569) - Group‑match win: $31,154 (£23,196) - Guaranteed minimum for each of the 12 teams: $247,500 (£184,275) Knight concluded that the combination of a supportive home crowd, improved domestic structures, and a clear vision for the future positions England’s women’s cricket side to not only compete for the trophy but also to cement a lasting legacy for the sport across the nation.