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BLOG: Meet the Volunteers Helping Bring the ICC Women鈥檚 T20 World Cup 2026 to Life

When the ICC Women鈥檚 T20 World Cup 2026 kicks off tomorrow, fans will witness world-class cricket, unforgettable moments and packed stadiums celebrating the very best of the women鈥檚 game. But behind every matchday experience will be a team of dedicated volunteers helping to make the tournament possible.

From welcoming spectators and supporting accreditation operations to helping deliver opening ceremonies, volunteers will play a vital role throughout the competition. Their backgrounds may differ, but they share a common goal: helping create an unmissable and unforgettable experience.

For some, volunteering is an opportunity to give back to a sport that has shaped their lives.

For ceremonies volunteer Allyson Byrne at Old Trafford, cricket has been a lifelong passion. Allyson has remained closely connected to the game through coaching and commentary.

"I am an ex-player, having captained Lancashire and Cheshire women back in the day. More recently I have commentated on women's regional cricket and have been fortunate enough to coach young people both in the UK and overseas."

Being part of the World Cup feels like a special moment.

"In my day, women players would never have believed the game could progress so far. To be involved in this tournament feels like a full-circle moment."

Allyson is particularly excited about her role supporting ceremonies and helping young mascots and flag bearers take part in the matchday experience.

"I am massively excited to be able to be pitchside, guiding the young flag bearers and mascots as they walk out for the ceremonies. These children will be seeing their sporting role models up close and creating memories that could last a lifetime."

She is also looking forward to the atmosphere the tournament will create.

"The energy will no doubt be incredible. Old Trafford is always buzzing for international cricket and I am sure it will be even more special for a World Cup."

While Allyson's connection to cricket stretches back decades, Hampshire Bowl volunteer Paige Brown's journey into the game is much more recent.

"I have been watching my husband play cricket since we got together and gradually learned more about the sport. Last year I plucked up the courage to join a women's team and I have loved every minute of it."

Since taking up the game herself, Paige has become a passionate advocate for encouraging more women and girls to get involved. She now shares her experiences online and hopes her story can inspire others to take their first steps into cricket.

"I feel like this World Cup is going to be huge for the women's game. It will encourage more young girls to start playing cricket and I want to be part of that story."

Volunteering offers her the chance to contribute to an event that could have a lasting impact on participation.

"Cricket has been in my life in some way for the last 16 years, but playing it myself has shown me how important welcoming environments are. I want to help create a positive experience for people coming to the tournament and hopefully inspire more women and girls to get involved."

Paige is also looking forward to meeting fans and being part of the wider tournament community.

"I'm excited to meet new people and spectators, make sure they're having a great day and hopefully inspire people along the way to become more involved in the sport."

Volunteers attending training sessions at Old Trafford ahead of the tourmanent

The tournament is also attracting volunteers who are completely new to cricket.

Chris Berry will be joining the accreditation team at the Hampshire Bowl and sees the World Cup as an opportunity to support both a major sporting event and the growth of women's sport.

"I was inspired to volunteer because it's such a significant global event and I wanted to be part of something that brings people together through sport.鈥

Chris has previous experience volunteering at major events, including the Women's Euro in 2022 and the Women's Rugby World Cup final last year, and understands the impact volunteers can have behind the scenes.

"Those experiences showed me how rewarding it is to help deliver world-class events. Volunteering gives me the chance to contribute behind the scenes, meet people from different backgrounds and be part of something that could inspire others."

Although he had never previously been involved in cricket, volunteering has already strengthened his connection to the sport.

"Applying to volunteer for the ICC Women's T20 World Cup 2026 has definitely made me feel more connected to cricket and more interested in getting involved locally."

He has already noticed the positive impact women's cricket is having within communities.

"Being part of such a major event has highlighted how much the game is growing, especially on the women's side, and it's exciting to see that momentum."

For spectator experience volunteer Yadav Mahajan at Bristol County Ground, the appeal of the World Cup comes from a lifelong involvement in elite sport.

An international gymnast who has competed on the world stage, Yadav understands first-hand the impact major sporting events can have on athletes and fans alike.

"I know the power of sport to bring people together and create unforgettable memories and I was inspired to see how that same World Cup energy translates to cricket and wanted to be part of it."

While cricket is relatively new to him, volunteering has given him a greater appreciation for the sport and its community.

"Coming from the individual, high-precision world of gymnastics, I've found the collaborative spirit of cricket incredibly welcoming.鈥

As someone who has competed at the highest level, he knows how important supporters can be in creating a memorable atmosphere.

"I am most looking forward to that matchday moment when the gates open and the energy of the crowd hits. I know how much atmosphere contributes to an athlete's performance and I can't wait to help create that experience for players and fans."

Together, Allyson, Paige, Chris and Yadav represent the diverse group of volunteers who will help bring the ICC Women's T20 World Cup 2026 to life.

Some have spent decades involved in cricket, while others are discovering the game for the first time. Some are motivated by a desire to give back, others by the opportunity to learn new skills and meet new people. What connects them all is a passion for creating a memorable experience and helping showcase the very best of women's cricket.

When the tournament begins this week, the players may take centre stage, but volunteers like these will be helping create the moments that make a World Cup truly unmissable and unforgettable.