UAE Women Secure Historic ODI Status for 2025-29 Cycle, Replace USA in ICC Rankings

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has earned One Day International (ODI) status in women’s cricket for the first time in its history. The International Cricket Council (ICC) granted the status for the 2025–2029 cycle, with the change set to take effect from May 12, 2025.

UAE takes the spot previously held by the United States, becoming one of 16 women’s teams globally to hold ODI status. According to ICC regulations, teams must play at least eight ODIs over a three- to four-year span to maintain their ranking eligibility.

Among these 16 sides, five associate nations now possess ODI status: Thailand, Netherlands, Papua New Guinea, Scotland, and UAE. While the rest have retained their status, UAE has emerged as a new entrant. Thailand and Scotland reaffirmed their status through recent performances in the Women’s Cricket World Cup Qualifiers.

The change comes as the USA women’s team, currently on tour in Zimbabwe, lost their T20I series 2-1 but opened the ODI leg with a seven-wicket victory. Meanwhile, UAE are currently in Bangkok, competing in a four-team T20I series involving hosts Thailand, Hong Kong, and Kuwait.

This move represents a major step forward for women's cricket in the UAE, reinforcing their progress on the international stage.