With a fresh vision and an ambition to redefine the domestic women’s cricket landscape, USA Cricket has officially launched the 2025 Women’s Conference T20 Championships, East and West. This pioneering initiative, part of the revamped Women’s Domestic Pathway, marks a pivotal moment for the sport, promising heightened competition, regional pride, and an accelerated path for aspiring cricketers across the country.
Building on the momentum of growing female participation nationwide, USA Cricket has transitioned from the traditional regional format to a dynamic zonal structure. The move is more than just administrative: with more young women picking up bats and balls, the new structure provides a crucial, competitive platform for a wider pool of talent. The 2025 pathway introduced intra-zonal matches, replacing previous intra-regional contests, giving more players the chance to shine.
Both East and West Conference Championships now feature four zone-based teams each. The ultimate goal, win a coveted spot in the Conference squads and book a place at the prestigious Senior National Championship set for October.
Nadia Gruny, USA Cricket Board Member and Chair of the Women’s Cricket Committee, hailed the shift, “Female cricket participation is trending in the right direction for sport in America. We are building the blocks for exponential growth in the future. Thank you to all involved in this critical journey of developing women’s cricket.”
The country’s cricketing energy has never been more palpable. The just-concluded U19 Women’s National Championship in Albany, NY, sparked headlines as Pooja Ganesh’s Red Team, guided by coach Subhash Chuttugudishi, claimed top honours. Next up for the future stars: the hotly anticipated U15 Girls’ National Championship, set for August 8–11 in Orlando, Florida, promises another showcase of emerging talent.
Celeste du Toit, USA Cricket Women’s Coordinator, shared her excitement: “It’s incredibly rewarding to see the passion for cricket growing so strongly among our female players. It’s a clear sign that the future of women’s cricket in the U.S. is bright.”
The West Conference is already underway in Woodley, CA, running June 30 through July 3, while the East Conference will light up NY Oval in Albany from July 7 to 10. With places on the line for the Senior Nationals, every game is a must-watch with pressure and passion riding high.
Squads:
Northeast: Dharshna Karthick, Shebani Bhaskar (Captain), Melanie Henry, Samantha Ramautar (Vice-Captain), Anushka Anavkar, Devika Pokhriyal, Sara Farooq, Mitali Tokas, Manasvi Ambawale, Madhuri Jayathirtha, Dhruvi Desai, Surbhi Vyas, Jui Nimbalkar, Himali Somaweera
Coach: Ashok Adikopulla, Manager: Meera Subramaniam
Southeast: Nikhar Doshi, Anannya Aneesh, Meghna Baishya, Sasha Vallabhaneni, Palak Chauhan, Aafia Khazi, Geetika Kodali (Captain), Jessica Willathgamuwa (Vice-Captain), Dhanya Mikkilineni, Halimah Vikar, Sravya Kanumuri, Tisha Parekh, Alyssa Vijay Kumar
Coach: Kiran Bonthagorla, Manager: Rupali Ulal
South Atlantic: Saanvi Sood, Aishi Garlapati, Taranum Chopra (Captain), Arna Gumgol, Lekha Shetty (Vice-Captain), Aahana Ketkar, Aadya Rawat, Nidhi Chukka, Rameen Affan, Snehitha Churukumalli, Jeanille George, Thilini Don, Hanshika Cherukurii, Joanna Chen
Coach: Chita Nilak, Manager: John Aaron
North Atlantic: Aditiba Chudasama (Captain), Disha Dhingra (Vice-Captain), Hashini Karthikeyan, Bhakti Shastri, Aparna Gurumurthy, Anushri Vijayakumar, Saumya Chevale, Simran Manhas, Amrita Nadathur, Anushka Kasole, Monisha Sagi, Kavya Rapelli, Jayashree Balaraman, Madhvika Sehgal
Coach: Earl Daley, Manager: Foram Desai
Beneath the spotlight of these championships is a deeper narrative, one of growing opportunity, rising standards, and a community rallying behind its female cricketers. The upgrades in structure, the surge in youth participation, and the investment in coaching and management all point to one truth: American women’s cricket is on the rise.
As players vie for national selection and fans follow the action from coast to coast, the 2025 Women’s Conference T20 Championships signal a new era. With every run, wicket, and catch, these athletes are forging a bright, inclusive future for the sport in the United States.
(Quotes sourced from USA Cricket Press Release)
