The Eswatini Cricket Association is set to host an exciting and impactful celebration of the ICC Women’s Cricket Week through the vibrant Criiio Cup format with two major events scheduled to take place in the country during June 2026.
The celebrations will begin on Wednesday, 17 June 2026 at Lavumisa Sports Ground where schools from the Lavumisa and Lulakeni cluster of schools will gather for a day dedicated to girls’ cricket development, participation and fun.
The second phase of the celebration will take place at Malkerns Country Club on Friday, 19 June bringing together schools from the Manzini and Hhohho regions in what is expected to be one of the biggest women’s cricket development festivals ever hosted by ECA.
The initiative is part of the global ICC Women’s Cricket Week programme aimed at increasing female participation in cricket and inspiring the next generation of women cricketers.
A Festival of Cricket, Fun and Inspiration
Faith Eternal Academy
ECA has planned a highly engaging Criiio Cup festival structure that will cater for both primary and secondary schools. A total of 15 primary schools and 6 secondary schools are expected to participate in the Malkerns celebration.
The primary schools competition will feature two age categories:
- Under 9
- Under 13
Both divisions will play exciting 6-a-side Criiio matches, designed to maximize participation and enjoyment while introducing young girls to the fundamentals of cricket in a simplified and entertaining format.
The six participating secondary schools will also compete in 6-a-side matches, with every team guaranteed a minimum of five games throughout the festival.
In addition to the competitive matches, ECA will establish a mass participation zone targeting girls from the neighboring schools. This zone will provide basic cricket activities, fun games and introductory sessions aimed at encouraging first-time participants to enjoy the sport.
Empowering Women Through Cricket
Mncikazi Secondary School
One of the major highlights of the celebration will be the active involvement of Eswatini’s national women’s team players, who are expected to attend the event and inspire young participants through interaction sessions, demonstrations and mentorship.
ECA also boasts a growing number of qualified female coaches and umpires, all of whom will play a leading role in managing matches and activity stations during the celebrations.
The association believes that visibility of women in leadership and technical roles is crucial in encouraging more girls to participate confidently in cricket.
Building a Sustainable Cricket Ecosystem
Inspired by the ICC Africa Region Members Conference theme, “Building a sustainable cricket ecosystem in Africa, ECA intends for the Women’s Cricket Week celebrations to leave a lasting legacy within communities and schools across the country.
The programme is not only focused on the current events but also on creating long-term pathways for girls to continue participating in cricket beyond the festival.
ECA aims to:
- Increase awareness of women’s cricket nationwide
- Strengthen girls’ participation at grassroots level
- Build stronger school cricket structures
- Identify future talent for national development pathways
Massive Branding and Media Coverage Planned
To ensure maximum visibility and impact, ECA has already begun engaging various companies for sponsorships and donations. The venues will feature extensive branding, including banners, flags and sponsor visibility throughout the grounds.
All participants will wear branded event shirts based on the official ICC Women’s Cricket Week design.
The association also plans to heavily market the events through:
- Social media platforms
- Local newspapers
- Community engagement initiatives
- Radio and television coverage
With two major celebrations planned in Lavumisa and Malkerns, the ICC Women’s Cricket Week promises to be a landmark moment for women’s cricket in Eswatini and another significant step toward building a stronger and more inclusive cricket future for the country.