AWCSG Sets New Standard for Women’s Cricket in the USA
ORLANDO, Fla. — April 2026 — The American Women’s Cricket Support Group (AWCSG) successfully launched its inaugural Premier Women’s T20 Cricket Tournament, delivering a high-quality, competitive event that signals a significant step forward in the development of women’s cricket in the United States.
Held at the Orlando Cricket Ground in Groveland, the two-day tournament featured three teams and 36 players, selected through a national draft process from a pool of 46 athletes aged 15 to 23. The participating teams—American Titans, Patriots, and eventual champions Freedom Flyers—competed in six T20 matches, showcasing both emerging talent and national-level players.
The tournament drew strong praise from players, administrators, and stakeholders for its organization, competitiveness, and focus on player development. In addition to on-site spectators, the event reached a broader audience through delayed broadcast coverage on AWCSG’s YouTube channel (AWCSGUSA), produced by SC Teck & Productions LLC using a multi-camera setup, drone footage, and on-field mobile camera coverage. Scoring was provided by CricCenter.com
The competition was conducted in accordance with International Cricket Council (ICC) playing standards and adhered to all Anti-Corruption Unit (ACU) protocols. A standout feature of the tournament was its innovative bonus-point system, designed to enhance strategic play and engagement. Teams earned bonus points for achieving defined performance benchmarks during key phases of the match, reinforcing both individual accountability and team execution. On the field, the tournament delivered a high standard of play.
Four of the six matches featured team totals exceeding 150 runs, with a combined tally of 145 fours and 20 sixes. Four players recorded half-centuries, while bowlers shared success across disciplines, with pace bowlers claiming 26 wickets and spinners 47.
The schedule was adjusted to accommodate the departure of ten USA national players for international duty in East-Central Africa on day three of the tournament, with the remaining 26 players participating in an exhibition bonus match on the third day to ensure continued competitive opportunities.
The Freedom Flyers emerged as undefeated champions, underscoring the depth of talent and the tournament’s competitive integrity.
Individual Tournament Awards
- Best Bowler: Jivana Aras
- Best Batter: Ritu Singh
- Best Wicketkeeper: Hiranya Talan Singh
- Best Fielder: Chetna Reddy Pagydyala
- Most Valuable Player (MVP): Mehek Desai
Additional individual match awards recognized Impact Player, Most Runs, Most Wickets, and Best Fielder.
Beyond competition, the tournament reinforced AWCSG’s commitment to the holistic development of female cricketers, integrating high-level match play with long-term development objectives. Feedback collected from players, parents, and stakeholders will inform future programming and continued refinement of AWCSG initiatives.
The event was supported through sponsorship and contributions from members of the U.S. cricket community. AWCSG is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization in the State of Florida, dedicated to advancing women’s cricket through competition, education, and leadership development.
Set in the tranquil surroundings of the Orlando Cricket Ground—adjacent to Pine Lake Retreat and featuring a turf wicket—the venue provided an ideal high-performance environment for players.
Building on the success of its inaugural tournament, AWCSG plans to host its second Premier Women’s T20 Tournament later this year, alongside expanded online educational and fitness programming to further support the growth of women’s cricket nationwide.
