Kathmandu Steps Into the Global Spotlight as Nepal Prepares to Host the Next Generation of Women’s Cricket

Nepal is preparing for a major moment in its cricket journey as Kathmandu gets ready to welcome international teams for the 2027 ICC Under-19 Women's T20 World Cup. Co-hosted by Nepal and Bangladesh, the tournament will bring together 16 national sides, with Nepal set to stage 15 matches across two cricket grounds in the capital.

The International Cricket Council (ICC) announced the tournament schedule on October 21, confirming that the competition will run from January 21 to February 6, 2027. A total of 41 matches will be played across four venues in Chattogram, Sylhet and Kathmandu.

For Nepal, the event represents an opportunity to put its cricket infrastructure and growing women's game before a wider international audience. It will also give local supporters the chance to watch some of the most promising young cricketers in the world compete on home soil.

Nepal to Stage 15 Matches Across Two Kathmandu Grounds

According to the published schedule, Nepal will host 15 matches, while Bangladesh will stage the remaining 26 fixtures.

The TU International Cricket Stadium in Kirtipur is scheduled to host six matches involving Group A, which includes Nepal, India, Ireland and the West Indies. Upper Mulpani International Cricket Ground will host nine matches, including Group D fixtures.

The allocation places Kathmandu at the centre of the opening group-stage action, with matches involving established cricketing nations and emerging teams scheduled at the two grounds.

Nepal's Group: A Challenging Road Ahead

Nepal has been drawn in Group A alongside two-time defending champions India, Ireland and the West Indies. The group presents a demanding test for the young Nepali side, particularly with India arriving as the team to beat after winning the previous two editions.

Nepal's group-stage campaign will begin against Ireland on January 22 at the TU International Cricket Stadium in Kirtipur. The hosts will then face India on January 24 before meeting the West Indies on January 26.

All three of Nepal's scheduled group matches are set to take place at the TU ground, giving home supporters a central venue to follow the team's opening campaign.

Nepal's Group-Stage Fixtures

Note: Fixture dates and venues are based on the ICC's announced schedule. Check official tournament updates for any subsequent changes.

How the 16 Teams Are Divided

The tournament will feature four groups of four teams each. The draw brings together experienced youth cricket sides, former champions and nations continuing to build their presence in the women's game.

• Group A: India, Ireland, West Indies and Nepal
• Group B: South Africa, New Zealand, Pakistan and Samoa
• Group C: Australia, Bangladesh, Nigeria and United Arab Emirates (UAE)
• Group D: England, Sri Lanka, United States of America (USA) and Scotland

The group-stage matches are scheduled to run through January 26. The top three teams from each group will progress to the Super Six stage, where the qualified teams will be divided into two groups.

The top two teams from each Super Six group will advance to the semi-finals, keeping the path to the championship open for sides that perform consistently throughout the competition.

Bangladesh and Nepal Share Hosting Duties

The tournament will be played at four venues across three cities, combining cricket facilities in Bangladesh with Kathmandu's two international grounds.

• Chattogram, Bangladesh: Bir Shrestha Shahid Flight Lieutenant Matiur Rahman Cricket Stadium
• Sylhet, Bangladesh: Sylhet International Cricket Stadium
• Kathmandu, Nepal: TU International Cricket Stadium
• Kathmandu, Nepal: Upper Mulpani International Cricket Ground

The tournament opens on January 21 with four matches. In Kathmandu, Sri Lanka will meet Scotland at Upper Mulpani, followed by England against the United States. Bangladesh will face the UAE in Sylhet, while Australia take on Nigeria at the same venue.

Nepal begins its campaign the following day. Defending champions India will also open their tournament on January 22, facing the West Indies at TU International Cricket Stadium.

When and Where Will the Final Be Played?

The semi-finals are scheduled for February 4 at Bir Shrestha Shahid Flight Lieutenant Matiur Rahman Cricket Stadium in Chattogram. February 5 has been designated as the reserve day for the semi-finals.

The championship final is scheduled for February 6 at 1:30 PM local time in Chattogram, with February 7 set aside as a reserve day.

Although Nepal will host a significant portion of the competition, the title-deciding match is scheduled to take place in Bangladesh.

Why the Tournament Matters for Nepal's Women's Cricket

Hosting an ICC world tournament can offer meaningful opportunities beyond the match results. For Nepal, the event can bring greater visibility to its women's cricket pathway, expose young players to international competition and create a stronger connection between supporters and the women's game.

International youth tournaments also offer a platform for emerging cricketers to test their skills against varied playing styles and high-pressure conditions. The competition gives participating players a chance to build experience as they progress toward senior international cricket.

ICC Chief Executive Sanjog Gupta has described the U19 World Cup as an important platform for developing future elite players and inspiring young girls to pursue cricket. The ICC also pointed to the cricketing passion and young populations of both host countries as reasons for their selection.

For Nepali supporters, the immediate focus will be on the national team's performances against Ireland, India and the West Indies. Strong displays could help the hosts build momentum in front of home crowds, although progression will ultimately depend on results on the field.

India Enter as Two-Time Defending Champions

India will enter the 2027 edition aiming to extend their record in the tournament. The side won the inaugural U19 Women's T20 World Cup in 2023 and successfully defended its title in 2025.

Their presence in Group A adds another layer of interest to Nepal's schedule, with the two teams set to meet on January 24 in Kirtipur.

The group also features Ireland and the West Indies, meaning Nepal will face opponents with different cricketing backgrounds and styles during the opening round.

A Major Cricketing Moment on the Horizon

With the schedule now announced, preparations can turn toward the practical demands of hosting and competing in a global tournament. Venue readiness, team preparations, logistics and supporter engagement will all contribute to the event's success.

Nepal's 15-match hosting allocation ensures that Kathmandu will have a substantial role in the tournament. More importantly, the competition creates a valuable stage for young women cricketers and offers the country an opportunity to strengthen its place in the international cricket calendar.

As January approaches, attention will increasingly turn to Nepal's squad, match preparations and the atmosphere surrounding the two Kathmandu venues. For the hosts, the challenge is clear: make the most of home conditions and compete confidently against the world's rising cricketing talent.

With international youth cricket heading to Kathmandu, the 2027 U19 Women's T20 World Cup could become an important chapter in Nepal's growing cricket story.