Dubai, UAE: India has created history by winning the ICC Women's ODI World Cup 2025, marking the country's first-ever title in this tournament after a long wait of 47 years. Following this remarkable victory, the International Cricket Council (ICC) has announced a significant decision to promote women’s cricket globally. Starting from the 2029 Women’s ODI World Cup, the number of participating teams will increase from eight to ten.

The decision came during the ongoing ICC meetings in Dubai, where several other important resolutions were also made. Among them, ICC Associate Nations will now receive a 10% hike in financial support to strengthen their cricket infrastructure. Meanwhile, the United States Cricket Board (ACB) has been suspended due to administrative concerns. However, the ICC confirmed that steps will be taken to ensure the sport continues smoothly in the U.S., especially since cricket will feature in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.

In another key development, former India captain Mithali Raj has been appointed as a member of the ICC Women’s Cricket Committee. She joins prominent figures such as Ashley D'Silva, Amol Majumdar, Charlotte Edwards, and Stella Siale in shaping the future of women’s cricket worldwide.

The 2025 Women's World Cup has also set new benchmarks in viewership. As per official data, the tournament attracted 446 million digital viewers on Jio Hotstar, the highest ever for women’s cricket. Additionally, the final between India and South Africa drew a record 18 million viewers online, establishing it as one of the most-watched women's cricket matches in history.