AWCSG Kicks Off Historic U.S. Premier Women’s T20 Tournament

Organizers outline vision, player development strategy, and innovative tournament format ahead of landmark event.

The American Women’s Cricket Support Group (AWCSG) will make history this weekend as it launches its inaugural Premier Women’s T20 Cricket Tournament in Orlando, Florida—marking a significant milestone in the advancement of women’s cricket in the United States.

The event represents the first major initiative by the recently established 501(c)(3) nonprofit, created to support the growth and holistic development of female cricketers nationwide.

usacricketers.com recently caught up with John Aaron, a member of the organizing committee and one of AWCSG’s spokespersons, to discuss the group’s mission and the significance of this weekend’s tournament.

Tournament Highlights
• Orlando Cricket Ground (turf wicket)
• April 3–5, 2026
• 7 matches across 3 days
• 1 USA national players participating
• Matches live-streamed (with brief delay)
• Endorsed by international cricket legends

usacricketers.com: Hello John, thank you for the opportunity to speak with you about the upcoming tournament and AWCSG’s plans.
John Aaron: Thank you for inviting me. It’s my pleasure.

usacricketers.com: What are the primary objectives of AWCSG?
John Aaron: AWCSG exists to support and develop female cricketers across the USA—both on and off the field. We aim to help shape the holistic female cricketer by combining playing opportunities with structured educational initiatives.

Our inaugural Premier Women’s T20 Tournament, taking place April 3–5 at the Orlando Cricket Ground in Groveland, Florida, is just the beginning. Future programming will include both online and in-person training focused on mental preparation, balancing academics and cricket, leadership development, game awareness, and physical conditioning.

We have received strong support from the cricketing community nationwide and have engaged subject-matter experts to deliver these sessions.

usacricketers.com: How are preparations progressing for the inaugural tournament in Orlando?
John Aaron: Plans are progressing very well. The tournament has been organized in alignment with the International Cricket Council (ICC) playing standards and was sanctioned by the world governing body.

We have also received endorsements from legendary cricketing figures, including West Indies greats Michael Holding and Alvin Kallicharran, as well as former Sri Lankan World Cup-winning captain Arjuna Ranatunga.

Our team includes 11 dedicated stakeholders with extensive experience in playing and administrative roles within the sport.

The Orlando Cricket Ground features a turf wicket, which is particularly significant, as many players in the United States do not regularly have the opportunity to compete on turf surfaces. The matches will also be livestreamed wth multiple cameras, and a slight broadcast delay.

usacricketers.com: Is there anything unique about the AWCSG’s inaugural T20 tournament?
John Aaron: Yes, several aspects make this tournament distinctive. We have assembled a highly experienced coaching structure led by Director of Coaches Charles D. Thompson, a former Ranji Trophy captain, BCCI Level III certified coach, and ICC Level III High Performance Coach.

He is working alongside team coaches Earl Daley, Sindhu Sriharsha, and Chita Nilak, overseeing three teams: American Titans, Freedom Flyers, and Patriots.

Together, the coaching group has introduced an innovative bonus-point system designed to enhance competitiveness and strategic play. For example, during the first power play (four overs), teams scoring at least 9 runs per over earn 1 bonus point, while maintaining a run rate of 13 or more earns 2 bonus points.

This system ensures that teams remain engaged throughout the match—even when they are behind—by rewarding performance across all phases of play. Additionally, each team consists of 12 drafted players, all of whom will have the opportunity to participate in matches—ensuring meaningful exposure for every player.

usacricketers.com: Are any current USA national players participating in the tournament?
John Aaron: Yes, eleven players from the USA national squad—selected to compete in the upcoming ICC Women’s Challenge Trophy in Rwanda—will participate in this tournament before departing from Orlando.

The event provides them with valuable match preparation ahead of their international commitments, including a series against Uganda prior to the official ICC competition in Rwanda.

usacricketers.com: How many matches are planned for the weekend?
John Aaron: Six matches are scheduled across the first two days, April 3 and 4, with a final match between representative sides taking place on Sunday, April 5. The schedule was adjusted slightly to accommodate the USA squad’s early departure for Uganda.

usacricketers.com: Is there anything you would like our audience to know about this weekend’s event?
John Aaron: The players, coaches, managers, and support staff are all very enthused and are looking forward to an exciting and competitive weekend of cricket. If you are in the Orlando area, we encourage you to attend and support women’s cricket.

A Defining Moment for Women’s Cricket in the U.S.
With a blend of elite talent, innovative structure, and a clear developmental vision, AWCSG’s inaugural Premier Women’s T20 Tournament promises to be a defining moment for women’s cricket in the United States.

About AWCSG
The American Women’s Cricket Support Group (AWCSG) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing women’s cricket in the United States through competition, education, and leadership development initiatives.