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ECB Confirms 2026 Vitality Blast Fixtures, Finals Days Set for July 17–18

The reworked schedule compresses both tournaments into an early‑summer block to prioritise fan‑friendly double‑headers, creating a more balanced workload.

Overview

  • Both competitions begin on May 22, with Women's Finals Day at the Kia Oval on July 17 and Men's Finals Day at Edgbaston on July 18.
  • The men's event moves to three groups of six with 12 matches per county, with quarter-finals on July 15 for the top two in each group plus the two best third-placed teams.
  • The women's format shifts to two tiers of nine, with Tier 1 counties playing 12 matches and the top four advancing to Finals Day, while League 2 plays eight matches before a separate Finals Day at Sophia Gardens on July 12.
  • The ECB has scheduled 61 double-headers across the season, including 16 on the opening weekend, to emphasise derby days and support a more balanced calendar.
  • Defending champions open at home, with Somerset hosting Hampshire Hawks on May 22 and Surrey Women beginning against Lancashire Thunder during the first-weekend slate.