The world of women’s international cricket has reached a significant milestone as the United Arab Emirates (UAE) women’s cricket team has officially gained One Day International (ODI) status for the 2025-2029 cycle. This announcement, confirmed by the International Cricket Council (ICC), includes four other associate nations—Thailand, Netherlands, Papua New Guinea (PNG), and Scotland—who have either been awarded or retained their ODI status. With this new inclusion, the total number of women’s teams with ODI status has now risen to 16, marking a pivotal moment for the growth of women's cricket globally, particularly among emerging teams.
The UAE secured their ODI status following an impressive performance in the latest annual ICC rankings update, where they ranked 16th in the Women’s T20I rankings, surpassing the United States of America. The USA's inability to meet the necessary criteria ultimately cost them their ODI status ahead of the new cycle. According to ICC regulations, teams must play a minimum of eight ODIs during a three- to four-year period to gain or maintain their ODI ranking, and the UAE's recent performances have demonstrated their consistency and growing presence in international women’s cricket.
Currently, the UAE women’s team is competing in a T20I quadrangular series in Bangkok, which features sides from Hong Kong, Kuwait, and Thailand. They began the series with a remarkable win over Hong Kong and are set to face Kuwait in their next fixture. This competitive environment is crucial for the team as they look to solidify their status and gain valuable experience on the international stage.
Meanwhile, Thailand and Scotland earned their ODI status through their performances in the 2026 ODI World Cup Qualifiers held in Pakistan. Scotland notably impressed by securing victories over teams like the West Indies and Thailand, finishing fourth in the six-team tournament. In contrast, Thailand struggled, losing all five of their matches. The qualifiers also saw Pakistan and Bangladesh secure their spots in the upcoming World Cup, which is set to be hosted by India later this year, with Pakistan playing their matches at a neutral venue due to political circumstances.
PNG and the Netherlands retained their ODI credentials based on their standings in the ICC T20I rankings, with PNG ranked 13th and the Netherlands at 15th. This retention underscores the competitive nature of women's cricket, where teams must consistently perform to maintain their status.
As for the USA, they currently lead a two-match ODI series against Zimbabwe, having won the first ODI by seven wickets. However, their recent lack of consistent fixtures and results ultimately cost them a place in the upcoming ODI cycle. The USA lost the preceding T20I series against Zimbabwe, finishing with a 2-1 defeat. The second ODI match is scheduled to conclude on May 3, 2025.
The elevation of the UAE women’s team into the ODI ranks is a major step forward for cricket development in the Gulf region. It not only highlights the progress of the UAE in women’s cricket but also emphasizes the growing diversity and competitiveness in the sport globally. As the ICC continues to support the development of women’s cricket, the future looks promising for teams like the UAE, who are eager to make their mark on the international stage.
In conclusion, the UAE’s new ODI status is a testament to their hard work and dedication, and it sets the stage for an exciting era in women’s cricket. With ongoing competitions like the T20I quadrangular series in Bangkok, the UAE women are poised to build on this momentum and further establish their presence in international cricket.
