The ICC Cricket Committee has granted Test and ODI status to all Full Member women’s teams in their recent meeting, which means Bangladesh women’s team have attained the Test status.
The ICC Cricket Committee, led by former Indian captain Anil Kumble, considered various current issues in the international game, and presented its recommendations which were approved, confirmed a media release from ICC.
The media release stated as, “It was decided that Test and ODI status shall be permanently awarded to all Full Member women’s teams. Additionally, it was agreed that all matches at the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games be classified as women’s T20 Internationals.”
Meanwhile the Women’s U-19 World Cup 2021, which was due to be held in Bangladesh, has been postponed due to the outbreak of the novel coronavirus across the world.
“The Board agreed to postpone the inaugural Women’s U-19 World Cup which was due to be held in Bangladesh at the end of the year. Covid-19 has had a significant impact on the establishment and subsequent development of the U-19 programs in many countries and teams would not be able prepare appropriately for a global event later this year. As such, the inaugural event will now take place in January, 2023,” said the press release.
Ten women’s teams have played Test cricket so far – Australia, England, New Zealand, South Africa, India, West Indies, Sri Lanka, Pakistan, Ireland and Netherlands.
Ireland and Netherlands are the only Associate teams to play Test cricket.
Along with Bangladesh, Afghanistan and Zimbabwe have also been granted Test status.
Pakistan have played three Tests while Sri Lanka have taken part in only one Test. Netherlands and Ireland are the only associate nations to play Test cricket. Ireland played in 2000 against Pakistan and won by an innings in Dublin.
The Netherlands played hosts to South Africa seven years later. Back in 2017, Afghanistan and Ireland were inducted into the ICC’s full-member club.
