Seven Stars, One Remarkable Journey: Players Set To Complete A Decade At The Women's T20 WC

Seven stars, one remarkable journey: Players set to complete a decade at the Womens T20 WC (Image Source: IANS)

T20 World Cup: As the ICC Women's T20 World Cup 2026 gets set to begin in England and Wales on June 12, the tournament will not only showcase the next generation of stars but also celebrate a rare feat of longevity.

From the inaugural edition in 2009 to the upcoming 10th instalment, women's cricket has undergone a dramatic transformation. Professional contracts have expanded, crowds have grown, and the game's global reach has widened significantly. Through every stage of that evolution, a select group of cricketers has remained a constant presence.

This year, seven players are poised to achieve a unique milestone by featuring in all 10 editions of the Women's T20 World Cup since the competition's inception.

Harmanpreet Kaur (India)

India captain Harmanpreet Kaur, whose World Cup story began in England in 2009 and comes full circle with another campaign on English soil. Now one of the most experienced players in international cricket, Harmanpreet enters the tournament as the captain who led India to their maiden senior women's ICC title at the 2025 ODI World Cup.

The Indian skipper is also closing in on another landmark. With 196 T20 International appearances, she needs just four more matches to become the first player in the history of men's and women's T20Is to reach the 200-match mark.

Suzie Bates, Sophie Devine (New Zealand)

New Zealand's veteran duo Suzie Bates and Sophie Devine will also take their places at a tournament they have helped shape over nearly two decades. For both players, however, the 2026 edition carries added emotional significance.

Bates, one of the most prolific run-scorers in the history of the format, is within touching distance of becoming the first player across men's and women's cricket to score 5,000 T20I runs. The opener enters the tournament needing 280 runs to reach the milestone.

Devine, meanwhile, remains one of the most influential all-rounders in world cricket. Alongside Bates and fast bowler Lea Tahuhu, she is preparing for her final T20 World Cup campaign before stepping away from the format.

Ellyse Perry (Australia)

Australia's Ellyse Perry arrives with a different set of records in sight. Widely regarded as one of the greatest all-rounders the game has produced, Perry already holds the record for the most appearances in Women's T20 World Cup history with 47 matches. Three more outings will make her the first cricketer, male or female, to feature in 50 T20 World Cup matches.

The Australian veteran also stands alone when it comes to silverware, having been part of six title-winning campaigns for her country.

Marizanne Kapp (South Africa)

South Africa's Marizanne Kapp, another member of the exclusive 10-edition club, continues to be one of the game's premier all-rounders. Renowned for her ability to influence matches with both bat and ball, Kapp enters the tournament after further enhancing her reputation during the Women's Cricket World Cup, where she became the leading wicket-taker in the tournament's history.

Chamari Athapaththu (Sri LankaL)

Sri Lanka captain Chamari Athapaththu's journey perhaps best reflects the growth of women's cricket outside the sport's traditional powerhouses. From a young batter in the inaugural tournament to one of the most destructive players in the modern game, Athapaththu has become the face of Sri Lankan women's cricket and remains central to her team's ambitions.

Stafanie Taylor (West Indies)

Sri Lanka captain Chamari Athapaththu's journey perhaps best reflects the growth of women's cricket outside the sport's traditional powerhouses. From a young batter in the inaugural tournament to one of the most destructive players in the modern game, Athapaththu has become the face of Sri Lankan women's cricket and remains central to her team's ambitions.

Their careers have unfolded across 17 years, multiple continents and countless memorable matches. Some have lifted trophies, others have broken records, and all have witnessed the evolution of women's cricket firsthand. When the first ball of the 2026 Women's T20 World Cup is bowled, these seven veterans will not simply be taking part in another tournament; they will be adding another chapter to one of the most enduring stories in the history of the women's game.

Article Source: IANS