Vancouver, Canada – Canada’s pioneering cricket league, Canada Super 60, has announced that its inaugural Women’s Trophy will be named in honor of former Australian cricketer and respected broadcaster, Mel Jones. The league, which is set to launch in October 2025, will be the first-ever ten-over-a-side event to feature both men’s and women’s competitions.
The announcement was made on September 23rd, during a press conference held in Vancouver. The league aims to showcase international stars alongside homegrown Canadian talent, with all matches being played under the iconic roof of BC Place.
As part of its commitment to celebrating women’s cricket and inspiring future generations, Canada Super 60 has decided to name the Women’s Trophy each year after an international women’s cricket legend. This tradition not only aims to create awareness but also honors trailblazers whose contributions have shaped the women’s game.
This year, the league has chosen Mel Jones as the namesake for the Women’s Trophy. Jones, who has had an outstanding career in cricket and broadcasting, has also been a leading advocate for women’s cricket worldwide. Her efforts have been widely recognized by the ICC, and she was honored with the prestigious MCC Spirit of Cricket Award in 2025.
Jones’ leadership off the field has been equally commendable. She played a pivotal role in supporting Afghan women cricketers who were forced to flee their homeland after the Taliban takeover in 2021. Her efforts included coordinating their evacuation to Australia, providing resources, and co-founding the Pitch Our Future initiative to support their education and sporting careers.
Thanks to Jones’ advocacy and international coordination, many of these Afghan players found refuge abroad, including two who are now living in Canada. This aligns with the Canada Super 60 vision of using cricket as a platform for opportunity and inclusion.
Upon receiving the honor, Mel Jones 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.”
Founder and Chairman of Canada Super 60, Abhishek Shah, expressed his gratitude to Mel Jones for accepting the honor. “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 in Vancouver during the inaugural edition of the tournament, which will take place from October 8th to 13th, 2025.
Canada Super 60 is a groundbreaking new cricket league, backed by Cricket Canada, that 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 the Canada Super 60 will be held at the iconic BC Place Stadium in Vancouver, making it the first major cricket league to debut on Canada’s West Coast. More than just a tournament, Canada Super 60 is a celebration of sport, diversity, and opportunity, designed to grow the game in North America and give Canadian players global exposure.
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