Scotland’s women’s cricket team is gearing up for one of its most anticipated campaigns ever as the squad heads into the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026, co-hosted by England and Wales from June 12 to July 5. The big headline? Former England international spinner Kirstie Gordon is making her much-awaited return to Scottish colors, nearly nine years after her last appearance for the national side. For fans and players alike, this is more than just a comeback—it’s a full-circle moment that could change the course of Scottish women’s cricket.
Gordon, now 28, is a name that resonates with cricket followers on both sides of the border. Born in Huntly, Aberdeenshire, she earned 60 caps for Scotland in her early career before moving to the English professional setup, where she made a significant mark. She featured in five matches for England at the 2018 Women’s T20 World Cup, helping them reach the final, and played a Test against Australia in 2019. After committing her future to Scotland in December 2025, Gordon’s return was delayed by a back injury. Now fully fit, she’s set to bring her international experience and competitive edge back to a rapidly improving Scottish side.
“It’s a huge boost [to have Kirstie available] as a player and a person,” said head coach Craig Wallace, who couldn’t hide his enthusiasm about Gordon’s return. “She has outstanding skill and experience from what she’s done previously in her career. There’s also more that hopefully I can bring out of her as well.” For Wallace, the selection process itself was a testament to Scotland’s progress in the women’s game. “It was hugely difficult to select a fifteen, but that’s a testament to the growth and success of the women’s game in Scotland over the last few years,” he explained. “The depth we have now to choose from is incredible and every selection is enjoyable, but really tough. I think we’ve got a really good balance in the squad in terms of what we think we need to succeed in this tournament.”
The squad, captained by experienced all-rounder Kathryn Bryce, features three changes from the group that secured World Cup qualification in Nepal earlier this year. Young seamers Gabriella Fontenla and Maisie Maceira have been called up, joining Gordon as new faces in the World Cup lineup. Meanwhile, Niamh Robertson-Jack, Mollie Parker, and Hannah Rainey miss out—Rainey having withdrawn during the Nepal qualifier due to injury. Robertson-Jack and Ellen Watson, however, remain in the wider squad for a pre-tournament tri-series against the Netherlands and Bangladesh, a crucial warm-up before Scotland’s opening World Cup match against Ireland at Old Trafford on June 13.
Scotland’s group-stage schedule is as challenging as it is exciting. After facing Ireland in Manchester, the Scots take on the West Indies on June 18 at Headingley in Leeds, then face former champions England on June 20, also at Headingley. The group stage wraps up with matches against New Zealand on June 23 and Sri Lanka on June 26. There’s no denying the scale of the task ahead, but with a blend of youth and experience, the Scots are determined to make their mark on the world stage.
Wallace is especially optimistic about the balance and depth of his squad. “We have multiple world-class players in this team, and Kirstie is definitely one of them,” he said. “We welcome her involvement in the group and expect her to drive our standards up even more and help us to improve Scottish cricket. I’m looking forward to working with her and helping her enhance her own skills as well.”
The full 15-player squad reflects the best of Scottish cricket, with players drawn from clubs across England and Scotland: Kathryn Bryce (Blaze), Chloe Abel (New Town), Olivia Bell (Lancashire Thunder), Sarah Bryce (Blaze), Darcey Carter (Lancashire Thunder), Priyanaz Chatterji (Surrey), Gabriella Fontenla (Yorkshire academy), Katherine Fraser (Durham), Kirstie Gordon (Blaze), Ailsa Lister (Lancashire Thunder), Maisie Maceira (Carlton), Abtaha Maqsood (Essex), Megan McColl (Watsonian/Dumfries), Rachel Slater (Yorkshire), and Pippa Sproul (Hampshire). This list is a testament to the growing professionalism and cross-border collaboration in the women’s game.
Gordon’s return is more than just a personal milestone—it’s a sign of Scotland’s ambitions. Once a promising teenager in the Scottish setup, Gordon’s journey through the English system has equipped her with invaluable experience at the highest level. Her presence is expected to lift not only the team’s standards on the field but also the confidence of younger players, particularly the likes of Fontenla and Maceira, who are making their senior tournament debuts.
Scotland’s preparations have been thorough. The pre-tournament tri-series against the Netherlands and Bangladesh will be a vital litmus test for combinations and form, giving Wallace and his staff a final look at their options before the World Cup opener. The inclusion of players like Ellen Watson and Niamh Robertson-Jack in the wider squad ensures that the team has backup and flexibility, should injuries or tactical changes require swift adjustments.
It’s clear that the mood in the Scottish camp is optimistic, but there’s no underestimating the challenge ahead. Group B features some of the world’s most formidable sides, including England, West Indies, New Zealand, and Sri Lanka. Yet, with Gordon’s experience, Bryce’s leadership, and a new generation of talent eager to make their mark, there’s a sense that Scotland could spring a surprise or two.
As the countdown to June 13 continues, all eyes will be on Old Trafford for that opening clash against Ireland. Will Gordon’s return spark a new era for Scottish women’s cricket? Can the blend of seasoned internationals and fresh faces deliver on the big stage? One thing’s for sure: with this squad and this spirit, Scotland is ready to take on the world, one game at a time.