Host cities announced for Women's T20 World Cup and inaugural Under-19s competition

Gqeberha (formerly Port Elizabeth), Paarl and Cape Town will host the senior tournament while the Women's Under-19 T20 World Cup will take place in Benoni and Potchefstroom

The host cities for the 2023 Women's T20 World Cup and inaugural Women's Under-19s T20 World Cup have been confirmed.

Taking place in South Africa, the senior women's competition will be held in Gqeberha (formerly Port Elizabeth), Paarl and Cape Town. The Under-19s competition, also in South Africa, will be split between Benoni and Potchefstroom.

This is the first time South Africa has hosted a women's World Cup – 50-over or T20 – since 2005.

Eight of the 10 participating nations for the Women's T20 World Cup have been confirmed, with South Africa, Australia, India, England, New Zealand, Sri Lanka, Pakistan and West Indies all set to battle for the title next spring.

The remaining two slots will be filled in September following a qualifying event in the UAE. Bangladesh, Ireland, Papua New Guinea, Scotland, USA, Thailand, UAE and Zimbabwe will contest the eight-team competition.

^{South Africa will be playing on home soil [Ryan Hiscott/Getty Images]}

An African qualifier will complete the line-up for the 16-strong Under-19 T20 Women's World Cup, with Australia, India, England, New Zealand, South Africa, Sri Lanka, Pakistan, West Indies, USA, Zimbabwe, UAE, Indonesia, Scotland, Ireland, and Bangladesh already confirmed.

"We're thrilled to announce the three cities to host the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup," tournament director, Russell Adams said.

"The Eastern and Western Cape are prime cricket and tourist locations with great facilities and infrastructure. We have no doubt that these venues will step up to make this a memorable and uniquely African celebration of cricket for the local and international fans attending the event."

ICC head of events Chris Tetley added: "We are delighted to announce the host cities for both women's events taking place in South Africa in early 2023.

"It is a very exciting time for women's cricket with the first Under-19 T20 World Cup showcasing the future stars of our sport and the next edition of the ultimate prize in the T20 format.

"I have no doubt the host venues identified across both events will provide the best platform to deliver two unforgettable World Cups and another significant milestone for women's sport."