Overview
- The tournament will run from 21 July to 16 August with the established women’s–men’s double‑header format retained.
- Opening day at the Kia Oval features MI London against Sunrisers Leeds, with the Sunrisers Leeds women’s side launching the season.
- Operational dates are set with player registration closing on 16 February, the women’s auction on 11 March, and the men’s auction on 12 March.
- The schedule leaves a turnaround of only a few days before the first Pakistan Test, with players in the final potentially getting minimal red‑ball preparation if a 17 August reserve day is used.
- England management has discussed red‑ball sessions at Loughborough during the competition, a step reported to face pushback from newly investor‑backed franchises with high‑value player contracts.