Canada’s pioneering cricket league, Canada Super 60, has announced that the inaugural Women’s Trophy will be named after Mel Jones, a former Australian cricketer, respected broadcaster, and dedicated champion for women’s cricket.
Canada Super 60 is the world’s first ten-over-a-side event, with men’s and women’s championships starting in its debut season.
The league will take place beneath the roof of Vancouver’s renowned BC Place, with international talents competing alongside homegrown Canadian talent.
As part of its commitment to celebrating women’s cricket and motivating future generations, Canada Super 60 will name the Women’s Trophy after a female international cricket legend each year. This tradition will raise awareness while also honouring trailblazers whose achievements have changed the women’s game.
Mel Jones was picked this year by the league for her tremendous career in cricket and broadcasting, as well as her leadership off the pitch. Jones has been a key advocate for women’s cricket around the world, and the International Cricket Council has extensively acknowledged her contributions.
She was instrumental in assisting Afghan women cricketers forced to abandon their country during the Taliban takeover in 2021, coordinating their evacuation to Australia, providing resources, and co-founding the Pitch Our Future program to promote their education and athletic futures. In appreciation of her contributions, she received the coveted MCC Spirit of Cricket Award in 2025.
Many of these Afghan players have found sanctuary abroad as a result of her lobbying and international coordination, including two who are now residing in Canada after the Canadian government approved their refugee petitions. This is consistent with the Canada Super 60 objective of using cricket as a platform for opportunity and inclusion.
“This honour from Canada Super 60 truly humbles me,” said Mel Jones. “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,” Jones said upon receiving the honour.
Canada Super 60’s Vision
“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,” Abhishek Shah, the league chairman, thanked Mel Jones.
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.
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