Vancouver, Canada – The world’s first-ever ten-over-a-side cricket event, Canada Super 60, has announced that its inaugural Women’s Trophy will be named in honor of Mel Jones, a former Australian cricketer, respected broadcaster, and tireless advocate for women’s cricket. This exciting announcement was made on Wednesday, September 24, at a press conference held at the iconic BC Place in Vancouver.
Canada Super 60, backed by Cricket Canada, is set to launch its first season with both men’s and women’s competitions. The league will take place at BC Place, showcasing international stars alongside homegrown Canadian talent in a thrilling mix of power and strategy between T20s and ODIs.
In line with its commitment to celebrating and inspiring future generations of women’s cricket, Canada Super 60 has announced that the Women’s Trophy will be named each year after an international women’s cricket legend. This tradition aims to create awareness and honor trailblazers who have shaped the women’s game.
For its inaugural year, the league has chosen Mel Jones to be honored – not only for her outstanding career in cricket and broadcasting but also for her leadership off the field. Jones has been a leading voice for women’s cricket worldwide, and her efforts have been widely recognized by the International Cricket Council (ICC). In 2021, she played a pivotal role in supporting Afghan women cricketers who were forced to flee their homeland after the Taliban takeover. Jones helped coordinate their evacuation to Australia, provided resources, and co-founded the Pitch Our Future initiative, which supports their education and sporting careers. Her efforts were recognized with the prestigious MCC Spirit of Cricket Award in 2025.
Thanks to Jones’ advocacy and international coordination, many of the Afghan players found refuge abroad, including two who are now living in Canada. This aligns with Canada Super 60’s vision of using cricket as a platform for opportunity and inclusion.
Mel Jones, upon receiving the honor, stated, “This honor from Canada Super 60 truly humbles me. To have the Women’s Trophy named after me is something very special. What excites me most is the vision behind this initiative – creating more opportunities and visibility for women’s cricket, especially in associate nations. Platforms like Canada Super 60 will inspire and empower a new generation of players. My hope is that one day, a Canadian cricket legend will have this trophy named after them, as the women’s game continues to grow in this country.”
Abhishek Shah, Founder and Chairman of Canada Super 60, expressed his gratitude to Jones for accepting the honor, stating, “We are grateful to Mel Jones for allowing us to name our Women’s Trophy after her. Mel’s leadership as a cricketer, broadcaster, and champion of women’s cricket has been exceptional. Her role in helping Afghan cricketers during a time of crisis is an inspiring example of what it means to use sport as a force for good. At Canada Super 60, we share her vision of developing women’s cricket, particularly in associate nations, and we are proud to carry this forward through our league.”
The Canada Super 60 Women’s Trophy will be presented at BC Place, Vancouver, during the inaugural edition of the tournament, taking place from October 8-13, 2025.
About Canada Super 60:
Canada Super 60 is a groundbreaking new cricket league set to launch in 2025, bringing the unique 10-over-a-side format with both men’s and women’s competitions from its inaugural season – a global first. Backed by Cricket Canada, the league aims to elevate Canada’s place on the world cricket map while offering fans a thrilling mix of power and strategy between T20s and ODIs. The first edition of Canada Super 60 will be held from October 8th to 13th, 2025, at the iconic BC Place Stadium in Vancouver, making it the first major cricket league to debut on Canada’s West Coast. The Canada Super 60 is more than just a tournament – it’s a celebration of sport, diversity, and opportunity, designed to grow the game in North America and give Canadian players global exposure.
