Heather Knight recently sat down with Sky Sports to discuss England's ambitions for the upcoming home Women's T20 World Cup, which kicks off in June. The central goal, she explained, is to "create a lasting legacy for women's cricket in this country," mirroring the recent successes of the Lionesses in football and the Red Roses in rugby.
This tournament marks the first time England has hosted the women's T20 World Cup since 2009, a year when the English side lifted the trophy on home soil. It also follows the historic triumph of the women's 50‑over World Cup in 2017, a campaign that Knight captained to victory. Those two landmark events have already shown how powerful a home tournament can be for inspiring fans and boosting participation.
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 last September.
"The focus now is women's cricket at the World Cup, so it's really exciting," Knight told Sky Sports. "It feels like a once‑in‑a‑career moment, but for me it could be my second home tournament, and that makes it incredibly special." She highlighted the advantages of playing at home: familiar grounds, supportive crowds, and the ability for friends and family to attend without travelling long distances. "We learned a lot in 2017 when the crowds grew and the final at Lord's felt magical. This time we have a chance to make an even bigger impact and leave a real legacy for the sport in England," she said.
Knight also noted that the professional structure beneath the elite game has improved. Domestic women's cricket is now fully professional, providing a clearer pathway for young talent and increasing visibility for the sport.
"If we succeed, the infrastructure is there to capitalize on that success. We've seen how the Lionesses and Red Roses have inspired a generation, and we want to do the same for cricket," she added.
Despite a recent dip in form, the England side is eager to rediscover its rhythm. "We haven't played much cricket this winter after the 50‑over World Cup, so we're itching to get back together, feel the international pressure again, and fine‑tune our strategies for the T20 World Cup," Knight explained.
She emphasized that embracing the pressure of a home tournament will be a key talking point in the lead‑up meetings, with the aim of turning that pressure into a competitive edge. The excitement is already palpable across the country. With just 50 days left until the tournament, Schools Cricket Day saw over 236,000 children from more than 1,350 schools pick up a bat and ball in a single day—the biggest participation event in UK cricket history.
Knight joined over 200 youngsters at a lively cricket festival at Raynes Park Sports Ground in London, taking part in drills, friendly matches, and conversations with aspiring players. The day also featured educational games created by UNICEF under its "Rights in Play" programme, which used cricket activities to teach children about their rights. ICC chairman Jay Shah praised the initiative, saying, "It is fantastic to see the 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 very first steps in cricket today." Expanding the tournament from ten to twelve teams reflects the ICC’s commitment to growing the women's game globally.
The prize fund has also been increased by 10 percent from 2024, with the champions set to receive $2.34 million (£1.74 million) and the runners‑up $1.17 million (£871,000). Every participating nation is guaranteed a minimum of $247,500 (£184,245), more than double the amount assured in 2024, ensuring that all teams benefit financially from the event’s expansion. Tournament director Beth Barrett‑Wild described the 2026 edition as a potential "landmark moment" for women's cricket, forecasting record‑breaking attendance and the largest prize pool ever for a global women's T20 competition.
The financial uplift is significant: while the top‑two prize money remains unchanged from 2024, the overall pot has risen from $7.958 million in 2024 to $8.765 million this year, thanks to the addition of two extra teams. Beyond the numbers, the broader aim is cultural. ECB strategic growth lead Gemma Barton said, "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 like they belong in the sport." Knight concluded with a hopeful note: "If we do our job right and succeed this summer, we can leave a genuine legacy for women's cricket in England.
We want to make being a girl in cricket feel normal, exciting, and achievable for the next generation." With the tournament fast approaching, the England women's team is focused on sharpening their skills, building team cohesion, and embracing the unique pressure of performing in front of a home crowd. Their goal is not only to win matches but also to spark a lasting enthusiasm for cricket among the millions of young fans who have already taken part in Schools Cricket Day, ensuring that the sport continues to thrive long after the final whistle blows.