The teams taking part in the Lotus Cup 2026 Women’s T20I Tri-Series met this evening in Gelephu as final preparations continued ahead of the start of the tournament.

The meeting was led by Saurabh Dhanuka, Tournament Director from Thailand, along with Ugyen Dorji, Head of Umpires, and members of the umpiring team. The organising committee was represented by Dorji Khandu.

The official trophy photographs of the Women’s T20I Lotus Cup 2026 were taken today in Gelephu, featuring the captains of Bhutan, Hong Kong (China), and Malaysia ahead of the upcoming tri-series.

The Bhutan and Hong Kong women’s cricket teams both compete in Twenty20 Internationals under the ICC’s Associate Member structure. However, the two teams are at distinct development stages in terms of international exposure, statistical performance consistency, and player resource depth.

The Lotus Cup 2026 is shaping up to be a defining moment for emerging women’s T20 cricket in Asia, with Bhutan taking the field against a more seasoned Malaysia side.

The inauguration of the Gelephu International Cricket Stadium changed something fundamental. For the first time, Bhutan cricket had a home—not just a facility, but a place where dreams could finally settle.

The inauguration of the Gelephu International Cricket Stadium changed something fundamental. For the first time, Bhutan cricket had a home—not just a facility, but a place where dreams could finally settle.

The arrival of Dav Whatmore alongside the Malaysian women’s cricket team for the Lotus Cup 2026 is a moment that quietly signals how far associate cricket in Asia has come and where it is determined to go next. When the Malaysian Cricket Association appointed the World Cup–winning coach as Director of Cricket in June last year, it was never meant to be symbolic. It was a decisive move rooted in long-term vision, one that is now beginning to show its impact on and off the field.

The Bhutan Cricket Council Board is delighted to host the inaugural “Lotus Cup – Women’s T20I Tri-Series”, scheduled to take place from 20th to 29th January 2026 at the Gelephu International Cricket Ground. This prestigious tournament will feature the national women’s teams of Bhutan, Hong Kong, China, and Malaysia.

In the heart of Gelephu Mindfulness City stands the Gelephu International Cricket Ground, a place that has quickly become central to the story of cricket in Bhutan. Inaugurated by His Royal Highness Prince Jigyel Ugyen Wangchuck on 17 February 2024, it remains the country’s only international-standard cricket ground. Today, it hosts all international matches and most domestic tournaments played in Bhutan.