Cricket: First women's world cup qualifiers a 'huge' milestone

Isle of Man will debut in tournament in Italy this summer

It's hoped the Isle of Man's first ever ICC Women's World Cup qualifying campaign can be a 'huge' milestone for the sport on Island.

The female team will be part of the Europe Qualifier Division 2 tournament in Rome, Italy, from 25-29 May.

Since playing its first T20 international, in November 2022, the squad has gone on to take multiple honours at European events in the last two years.

Isle of Man Cricket Development Officer Greig Wright also hopes the event will raise the profile of the women and girls' game on Manx shores and encourage more to take part:

As part of preparations the Isle of Man will take part in a four-team tournament in Cyprus over the Easter weekend of 18-20 April.

There they will be involved in three straight days of matches against Cyprus, Denmark and Jersey.

Less than a year after its first competitive game the Manx team took its first silverware in August 2023 by winning the ECN Continental Cup in Romania.

More recently, in August 2024, they added more success by claiming top spot in the Women's Valletta Cup in Malta.

Their previous efforts were also recognised locally as they were named 2023 Isle of Man Team of the Year at the most recent Isle of Man Sports Awards.

Their coach Sally Green also scooped the Coach of the Year prize and Leonie Cooil Courage & Inspiration Award at the same event.