The European Cricket Network (ECN) is proud to announce the much-anticipated return of the Women’s European Cricket Championship (ECC-W), which is set to take place at the iconic Cartama Oval in Spain from December 9 to December 20, 2024. This marks the second edition of ECC-W, and the tournament has already shown remarkable growth, expanding from 5 teams last year to an impressive 10 teams this year.
Following the footsteps of its men’s counterpart, ECC-W 2024 is divided into two divisions – Challenger and Premier – based on team rankings. This format ensures competitive balance, giving every team a fair chance to showcase their talent on a big stage. For the first time ever, there will be two champions crowned, one from each division, adding an exciting new chapter to the tournament.
The ECC-W kicks off with the Challenger Division, featuring five teams: Spain, Austria, Germany, Jersey, and Czechia. Spain and Austria are returning teams after impressive campaigns in the inaugural edition, including their unforgettable clash last year when Spain edged Austria on a Golden Ball to qualify for Finals Day. Meanwhile, Germany, Jersey, and Czechia will be making their ECC-W debut, bringing fresh energy and excitement to the competition.
The spotlight shifts to the Premier Division from December 15, featuring Europe’s top cricketing nations: England XI, Ireland XI, Scotland XI, Netherlands XI, and Italy. England XI are the defending champions, having clinched the title in the tournament’s inaugural edition, with Netherlands XI finishing as runners-up and Italy securing third place.
Notable performances from last year’s event have set a high bar for this year’s competition. Robine Rijke of Netherlands XI was named MVP for her all-round brilliance, while her teammate Iris Zwilling topped the run charts with 409 runs, including two centuries. England XI skipper Chiara Green and Italy’s Emilia Bartram shared the honors for most wickets, with nine scalps apiece. Scotland XI and Ireland XI will join the fray this year, making their tournament debut and adding further quality to the field.
The tournament is supported by a range of sponsors and partners, including Dream11, HCL Software, PariMatch, Loka Lifestyle, CarGest, Sunset Beach Club, and Victorinox. The official hotel partner, Sunset Beach Club, offers a promo code "ECCW1224" for fans, while the official rental car partner, CarGest, provides a promo code "ECCW" for attendees. These partnerships, alongside the unwavering support from Cricket Espana, highlight the collaborative effort in driving the success of European cricket.
As we approach the start of the tournament, excitement is at an all-time high. With expanded teams, thrilling matchups, and the promise of standout individual performances, ECC-W 2024 is set to be a landmark event in the evolution of European women’s cricket. From the fierce battles of the Challenger Division to the star-studded Premier Division, fans can expect 12 days of exhilarating cricket action.