Mel Jones, the former Australian cricket player, renowned broadcaster, and unwavering supporter of women’s cricket, will be honoured with the name of Canada Super 60, the country’s first women’s cricket league.
The first ten-over-a-side event in history to feature both men’s and women’s competitions from its initial season is the Canada Super 60. The league, which will include both domestic and foreign talent, will take place in Vancouver’s famous BC Place.
The Canada Super 60 will annually name the Women’s Trophy after an international women’s cricket legend as part of its dedication to honouring women’s cricket and motivating upcoming generations. This custom will commemorate pioneers whose achievements have influenced the women’s game in addition to raising awareness.
Mel Jones was selected by the league this year for her leadership off the pitch in addition to her stellar broadcasting and cricket careers. The ICC has extensively acknowledged Jones’s work as a major voice for women’s cricket around the world.
She was instrumental in assisting Afghan women cricket players who were compelled to leave their country following the Taliban takeover in 2021. She co-founded the Pitch Our Future campaign to promote their academic and athletic endeavours, helped organise their evacuation to Australia, and provided resources. She received the coveted MCC Spirit of Cricket Award in 2025 in appreciation of her efforts.
Many of these Afghan players were able to find asylum elsewhere as a result of her campaigning and international cooperation; two of them are currently residing in Canada after the Canadian government supported their refugee petitions. This is in line with the Canada Super 60’s mission to use cricket as a vehicle for inclusivity and opportunity.
“I am incredibly humbled by this recognition from Canada Super 60,” Mel Jones stated. “It is truly an honour to have the Women’s Trophy named after me. The initiative’s goal of increasing women’s cricket’s visibility and chances, particularly in associate nations, is what most excites me. A new generation of players will be empowered and inspired by platforms such as Canada Super 60. As the women’s game in Canada continues to grow, I hope that one day a Canadian cricket icon will have this trophy named after them,” Jones remarked after being awarded the distinction.
The Vision of Canada Super 60’s
“We appreciate Mel Jones letting us name our Women’s Trophy in her honour. As a cricket player, commentator, and advocate for women’s cricket, Mel has demonstrated remarkable leadership. Her assistance to Afghan cricket players during a crisis is a powerful illustration of how sport can be used to promote positive change. Mel Jones was thanked by league chairman Abhishek Shah, who said, “We at Canada Super 60 share her vision of developing women’s cricket, particularly in associate nations, and we are proud to carry this forward through our league.”
The inaugural competition, which will take place from October 8–13, 2025, will feature the presentation of the Canada Super 60 Women’s Trophy at BC Place in Vancouver.
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