Women's cricket set for Commonwealth Games debut in 2022

Plans are being examined to stage a women's cricket tournament at Worcestershire's New Road when Birmingham hosts the Games in four years time.

The announcement was made by Chief Superintendent Dave Sturman, who was giving an update on West Midlands Police's preparations for the games.

Speaking at the West Midlands Police and Crime Commissioner's monthly strategic board meeting, he said around 18 venues would be used to stage events, including previously announced sites such as the Alexandra Stadium, Arena Birmingham, Sutton Park, the NEC and the new aquatics centre in Sandwell.

"But there are also events that are outside the force area, notably Staffordshire, Cannock Chase, for the mountain biking, and lawn bowls, would you believe, in Leamington Spa," added Ch Supt Sturman, who is overseeing the police operation for the Games.

"They are going to make use of the Olympic Velodrome in London for the main cycling events. There is further potential as well if women's cricket comes in, for New Road in Worcester to feature as well as a venue.

"That's yet to be confirmed.

"Although we have a reasonable understanding of the venues and sports, it is still subject to change up to 2019."

It will mark only the second time in the Games' 88-year history that cricket has been included. The only other time was in the 1998 event in Malaysia, when 16 men's teams competed in a 50-over tournament won by South Africa.

England declined to send a team due to fixture clashes.

Back in 2016 the International Cricket Council (ICC) revealed plans to apply for the inclusion of women’s cricket at the 2022 games, which at that time were scheduled to take place in Durban, South Africa.

“It will enhance the profile of the sport and create additional exposure and experiences for female cricketers,” ICC chairman Shashank Manohar, a former head of the Indian board, said at the time.

Since then Birmingham won the rights to host the event after Durban failed to meet the necessary criteria.

The Commonwealth Games is the third largest sporting event in the world after the Olympics and the World Cup.

The 11-day event features 70 nations competing in 18 sports and seven 'para' sports, involving 6,500 athletes and officials.