The International Cricket Council’s latest updates have awarded the UAE women’s team ODI status for the 2025-29 cycle, leaving the USA without it. This new cycle, effective from 12 May, features 16 teams, inclusive of five Associate members—Thailand, Netherlands, Papua New Guinea, Scotland, and the UAE.
ODI, or One Day International, status necessitates teams to engage in at least eight ODI matches over a three-to-four-year span to either gain or keep a ranking. This change comes as part of the annual ICC review, assessing global team performances.
Thailand and Scotland secured their status by reaching the women’s ODI World Cup qualifier, an event held recently. Although Thailand finished last after losing all five of their matches, Scotland managed to notch up a win against the West Indies, finishing fourth in the group of six. The Netherlands and Papua New Guinea retained their ODI eligibility based on their standing in the T20I rankings, currently 15th and 13th respectively. Similarly, these rankings—where Thailand sits 11th and Scotland 12th—allowed these teams to keep their ODI recognitions.
The World Cup qualifier held in Pakistan saw Pakistan and Bangladesh secure their spots in the main tournament set in India later this year. Pakistan, however, will likely play their matches at an alternative location due to political tensions.
UAE earned its spot as an Associate team ranked 16th on the T20I table, grasping the chance to elevate their game on the international stage. Meanwhile, USA’s recent dip in their T20I series against Zimbabwe, despite winning the first ODI, meant they could not maintain their ODI status.
Speaking on the newly updated rankings, an ICC spokesperson commented: “Securing or maintaining ODI status is a significant achievement and highlights the growth of these teams on the international stage.”
Australia remains dominant at the top of the rankings, boasting 299 points. They’ve slightly increased their lead over England, which sits in second with 279 points.
Currently, the USA is wrapping up their Zimbabwe series with an upcoming ODI, as the UAE participates in a T20I series in Bangkok featuring Thailand, Hong Kong, and Kuwait.
These developments mark a pivotal moment in women’s cricket, further encouraging competitive play among associate and full members alike.
