World Cup stars Ellyse Perry, Hayley Matthews, Lauren Bell, Richa Ghosh and cricket legend Andrew Flintoff feature in global marketing campaign ‘Catch the Spirit’, igniting excitement for next year
The International Cricket Council (ICC) and the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) today launched a bold new global marketing campaign – Catch the Spirit – igniting excitement ahead of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup which will take place on home soil next summer including Manchester.
Featuring world-class stars Ellyse Perry (Australia), Hayley Matthews (West Indies), Lauren Bell (England) and Richa Ghosh (India) — with a special cameo from cricket legend Andrew Flintoff — the campaign showcases the infectious energy a country feels when a World Cup comes to town.
ICC Women’s T20 World Cup fixtures coming to Manchester:
- Saturday 13 June: Qualifier vs Qualifier and South Africa vs Australia
- Sunday 21 June: South Africa vs India
- Thursday 25 June: India vs Qualifier
- Friday 26 June: Sri Lanka vs Qualifier
- The tournament is set to offer hundreds of thousands of fans the chance to see the world’s best cricketers in action at world-class venues up and down the country and is a huge opportunity to propel women’s cricket firmly into the mainstream.
The campaign launch coincides with tickets going on general sale for the competition. England and Wales will play host to the best cricketing talent with 33 matches over 24 days from the tournament opener on 12 June at Edgbaston, Birmingham, to the final at Lord’s on 5 July. With demand already high across all matches, fans are encouraged to secure tickets early for what promises to be a historic moment in women’s sport.
Number 1 T20 Bowler in the world and local hero Sophie Ecclestone said: “Playing for England is one of the biggest and best responsibilities in the world, particularly at massive events like next year’s home T20 World Cup. I was in the crowd when the team won in 2017 at Lord’s and it’s an experience I’ll never forget. I’m so excited for next summer and for my home city [Manchester] to play such a big part.”
England fast bowler, Lauren Bell also said: “For me Catch the Spirit means big crowds, big moments and big energy! Watching the girls win the 2017 World Cup is what motivated me to become a cricketer and the opportunity to inspire fans across the country next summer is huge.
“We’ve seen the amazing impact the Lionesses have had on football, particularly after their home Euros – and we want this to be cricket’s moment!”
Councillor John Hacking, Executive Member for Skills, Employment & Leisure, Manchester City Council said: “The ticket release and campaign launch for the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup is another fantastic moment for Manchester, reinforcing our reputation as a city that lives and breathes sport. With the world’s best cricketers coming to Old Trafford Cricket Ground next summer, we’re proud to welcome another major international event. Manchester’s continued presence in the top 10 sporting cities, globally recognised for the seventh consecutive year is a testament to our passion, our people, and our world-class venues. I encourage everyone to catch the spirit and be part of this historic celebration of women’s sport.”
Tickets are now on general sale and selling fast. Fans can get ready to catch the spirit by purchasing tickets to the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026 HERE.
