Free bets are available across UK betting sites for new and existing customers, though value varies widely depending on odds, expiry and restrictions.

At The Independent, our experts have done the hard work to find the best free bet offers through our impartial, detailed analysis, with the aim of providing users with relevant information on the best betting sign up offers that include free bets.

Our evaluations focus on the accessibility, flexibility, fairness, key terms and conditions and availability, ensuring our recommendations are reliable offer low minimum stakes, plenty of options for using free bets and clear T&Cs.

Every site that we recommend is licensed and regulated by the UKGC too, ensuring that users can rest assured that they are using a trusted site when claiming free bet offers.

Free bets can be claimed from betting sites by new and existing customers, allowing bettors to bet without risking their own money.

Terms and conditions are attached to free bets and betting offers. Usually, bettors must deposit or stake a qualifying amount to claim a free bet, which can be used on selected sports and events.

Wagering requirements can be attached to free bet offers, which means winnings must be played through a set number of times before you can withdraw funds as cash, but this is more common on casino sites.

Types of free bets

Free bets are straightforward to use for customers, although the way they can be deployed may differ depending on your chosen bookmaker.

Usually, betting sites will have a box or toggle on your bet slip that users can tick or move to confirm free bets on their bet.

An important note. If your bet wins, you only keep the profit, the free bet stake itself isn’t returned.

Bookmakers may require you to use free bets in precise portions, such as £5 or £10, while others will allow you to bet with amounts of your choosing until you’ve used up your balance.

Here are the standout betting offers on the market for users broken down into strength of category.

Ladbrokes – Best low-stake free bet offer

The Ladbrokes sign up offer provides the best value betting sign up offer for new customers, with users able to unlock £30 in free bets from just a £5 stake.

Users only need to place a qualifying wager on a sport with 1/2 odds, which is one of the lowest thresholds for welcome offers online, with the added freedom of being able to be on any sport.

There’s plenty of flexibility where to place your qualifying bet on both sports and bet types. There’s also 14 days to secure this betting offer after signing up.

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Once your qualifying bet has settled, Ladbrokes pay out £30 in free bets in 6 x £5 installments within 24 hours.

Users will also find flexibility regarding these free bets with 4 x £5 free bets available to use on any sport, with a further 2 x £5 free bets are reserved for football bet builders.

We rate it as the best £5 deposit betting site on the market, with a return 600% return on your deposit and bet. For first-time bettors there are few betting sign up offers online that can match this value.

Betano – Best football free bets

Betano is the best option for punters looking for free bets at leading football betting sites, with the Betano sign up offer providing £50 in free bets with an initial wager of just £10 (an excellent return for a low entry stake).

The offer includes a straightforward qualifying bet with minimum odds of evens and no accumulator required, while the 30-day expiry on free bets gives users flexibility, with plenty of time to use bonuses.

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This new betting site provides great variety on its football markets – from match odds and BTTS to goalscorers, correct scores and much more – and users will also find regular offers and promotions once signed up to the site.

Tote – Best for horse racing free bets

The Tote sign up offer is an excellent choice for horse racing fans, with a £10 bet returning £30 in racing value – a strong 3x reward for such a low qualifying stake.

The offer provides £20 in Tote Credit for horse racing – which is ideal for pools, exotics, and Tote-only markets – as well as £10 in free bets to use on the sportsbook, offering plenty of flexibility for new customers.

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The qualifying bet simply need to be a £10 wager on any sport (with some exclusions, though win, place, or pool bets all count) at odds of evens or greater, and winnings are fully withdrawable, with Tote Credit profits available to be cashed out, keeping risk low.

Tote also guarantee boosts payouts paid at SP or better, adding an extra upside for horse racing bettors and making Tote the best choice among horse racing betting sites.

Bet365 – Best for moneyback as a free bet

Bet365 have recently launched its moneyback specials across a number of sports, including football and horse racing, as well as a range of major events.

Customers can wager up to £10 and will receive their stake back in free bets back if their bet fails. The system is simple for claiming the betting offer, with users ticking the ‘Money Back As Free Bets’ box on their bet slip to qualify.

Free bets are usually credited within a matter of hours, but it can take up to 24 hours. Free bet credits can be used anywhere on one of the best betting sites in the business with no limit on where and how your credits can be spent.

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Bet365 moneyback specials are most common on football, and notably the Premier League where the highlight games of the week are covered with a moneyback special notably on Saturday and Sunday evenings, although Champions League and Europa League midweek games have also featured this betting offer.

The nuts and bolts of the requirements are as follows. Customers must place a qualifying bet builder on the eligible game or event, with bet builders needing only evens (2.0) or higher odds.

Bet365 also attaches its Sub Play On feature on football bet builders in conjunction with the moneyback special, which keeps bets alive even if a player is subbed.

Virgin Bet – Best free bet club

Existing customers can use the weekly Virgin Bet rewards club to claim £5 in free bets for placing qualifying accas.

Users only need to opt-in on the promotion before placing four £5 accas with odds of 2/1 or greater between Monday to Sunday, making these qualifying stakes smaller than most rival free bet clubs.

Virgin Bet have an extremely low minimum odds requirement to use your free bet at 1/100.

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You’re spoiled for choice, and better yet, there are no restrictions where you can use your bonus.

In addition, the seven-day expiry gives plenty of time to use the bonus, meaning the free bet club offers huge flexibility.

After the qualifying bets have settled, Virgin Bet pays out the £5 free acca bet into your account and to activate the free bet offer, simply use the toggle on your bet slip to use up the credits.

Here are the latest betting sign up offers and free bets available for today’s major sporting events.

Below, we’ve provided some detail on common traps that users can fall into when claiming free bets:

Stake not returned on free bets

Not all free bet offers return the original stake if your bet wins. For example, a £10 free bet at 3/1 pays £30 profit, not £40; always factor this in when comparing headline free bet amounts.

Short expiry windows

Free bets usually expire within 5-7 days of being credited, and occasionally less. Unused free bets are removed automatically once they expire, so casual or infrequent bettors can lose value this way.

Remember to always check the expiry date as soon as the free bet is added.

Bet builder or market restrictions

Some free bets are limited to certain types of use. For example, some are football bet builders only, accumulator bets or bets fixed to specific sports, leagues or events. These restrictions reduce flexibility and can increase risk.

Bet builder-only free bets often require multiple selections to win, meaning long odds, and it is the same with accas. Remember to check eligible markets before placing your qualifying bet.

Minimum odds requirements

Betting offers may require minimum odds on either the qualifying bet or the free bet itself, and sometimes both. Higher odds thresholds can push bettors toward riskier selections, while a smaller free bet with low odds requirements can offer better value.

Cash-Out and In-Play exclusions

Remember that cashing out a qualifying bet often voids eligibility for the offer. Some free bets also cannot be used on in-play markets.

These exclusions are commonly hidden in the T&Cs, so avoid cashing out unless you’re sure it won’t affect the promotion.

Wagering requirements and bonus conditions

Wagering is uncommon on free bets, but it is not unheard of. Some promotions attach extra conditions to winnings or follow-on bonuses instead.

Offers requiring winnings to be wagered multiple times reduce real value, while simpler “bet and get” free bets are usually the safest option.

How The Independent rates and reviews free bets

Before a bookmaker makes our list of free bet offers, they must meet key criteria to ensure a high-quality betting experience.

1. Licensing

Only sites with a valid UK Gambling Commission (UKGC) licence are considered on our list of recommended operators.

The UKGC ensures fair play and consumer protection, working alongside independent testing agencies like eCOGRA. If a bookmaker isn’t regulated, it’s not safe – anyone can verify a licence via the UKGC register.

2. Security

Every bookmaker we recommend must implement high-quality security measures such as SSL encryption and two-factor authentication to protect customer data.

3. Reputation

Reputation also plays a role – established brands like Betfred, William Hill and Bet365 consistently rank highly with us, but we also highlight new, reputable operators such as BetMGM when their free bet offers meet our expectations.

4. Mobile

With most bets now placed on phones and tablets, mobile betting functionality is essential.

Bookmakers with dedicated betting apps that mirror the desktop experience are given preference, and we also consider user app reviews from the Apple and Google Play stores.

5. Experience

The customer experience is equally crucial – we rigorously test bookmaker support channels, favouring those that provide fast, effective resolutions.

Ultimately, our rankings focus on the quality of the free bet offers, but we also take into account matters including odds restrictions, timeframe to both unlock free bet offers and use your bonus funds, wagering requirements and available payment methods.

6. Value

Operators that provide valuable betting sign up offers, competitive terms, and ongoing free bet promotions for returning customers get the highest ratings.

If you decide to engage with any of the online betting sites highlighted on this page, remember to gamble responsibly, even when using free bets and betting sign up offers.

When betting, always assume you’ll lose and therefore, only bet what you can afford to lose. Even free bets still involve a level of risk.

The same applies if you’re using new casino sites, slot sites, poker sites or any other form of gambling.

Make sure you use the responsible gambling tools offered by betting companies such as deposit limits, reality checks, loss limits and time outs. These can stop gambling from getting out of hand.

If you have gambling-related concerns, then seek independent help. There are several UK charities and institutions that offer support, advice and information, with a few listed below:

Can you withdraw free bets?

No, it is not possible to withdraw a free bet. It must be used according to the terms and conditions of the free bet offer or it will be forfeited.

Can you cash out free bets?

In most cases, bookmakers will not allow punters to cash out a free bet before the bet has run its course, so you will likely have to wait for your bet to settle before receiving any winnings.

Do Bet365 give free bets?

Yes, Bet365 are one of the best betting sites for free bets. They have a bet £10 get £30 welcome offer, and several ongoing free bet promotions under their ‘offers’ tab.

What does money back in free bets mean?

This means you can get a refund on your stake, but not as withdrawable cash – only as a free bet, meaning you have to stake the same cash again on a different bet.

What betting sites give free bets without deposit?

Few bookmakers hand out free bets for nothing, but you can earn free bets by entering free-to-play prediction games on Bet365, BetVictor, NetBet, Betway, Betfred, Ladbrokes, Coral and BetMGM.

We may earn commission from some of the links in this article, but we never allow this to influence our content. This revenue helps to fund journalism across The Independent.

West Indies’ players after their win against Zimbabwe. (AP Photo)

NEW DELHI: Former India captain Anil Kumble believes West Indies have shown they possess the qualities needed to win the T20 World Cup at the business end, while warning that India now face a difficult road to the semi-finals after their heavy defeat to South Africa.Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE NOW!West Indies sent a strong message to the rest of the field with a dominant 107-run demolition of Zimbabwe, piling up a staggering 254/6 before bowling their opponents out for 147. The performance impressed Kumble, who said the Caribbean side demonstrated a clear understanding of how to succeed in knockout-style situations.

“The West Indies understand what it takes to win at this stage of the tournament. The left-arm spinners were outstanding. Gudakesh Motie bowled brilliantly. In this format, finger spinners often try to stay away from the batter’s hitting arc, but Motie and Hosein were different,” Kumble said on JioHotstar.He also singled out Shimron Hetmyer’s explosive 34-ball 85 as the turning point. “Shimron Hetmyer has long been a finisher and knows how to clear the boundaries. He has the power and the temperament. What stands out is that he doesn’t settle for quick cameos of 20 or 30. He converts them into substantial scores. Had he fallen for 30, perhaps the West Indies wouldn’t have reached 254,” Kumble explained.

Kumble added that Rovman Powell’s calculated assault made the total even more formidable. “Powell is again a proven power-hitter. He took his time initially, but once he settled, he was unstoppable.”Turning to India’s situation, Kumble admitted the margin and manner of their loss to South Africa had made things complicated. “Every game counts at this stage. India suffered a significant loss… The key question now is whether they can bounce back strongly.”He stressed that India must now win big. “India needs to win convincingly, much like the West Indies did… The primary focus should be on winning both matches.”

MUMBAI: The brief to Shimron Hetmyer in this tournament is clear: take on the opposition bowlers and put them under pressure. That highrisk approach has its pitfalls but when the opposition offers chances, the threat of failure diminishes.

On Monday, Zimbabwe dropped Hetmyer twice and the left-hander made them pay with a blistering 34-ball 85, helping West Indies pile up 254/6 — the second-highest total in T20 World Cup history — in their opening Super Eights match at the Wankhede Stadium.

In reply, Zimbabwe were bowled out for 147 in 17.4 overs, losing by 107 runs. For West Indies, the wreckers-in-chief were the spin duo of Gudakesh Motie (4/28) and Akeal Hosein (3/28), who shared seven wickets between them.

Around 20,000 fans watched in awe as Hetmyer dismantled the Zimbabwe attack. By the time he was done, the 29-year-old had struck seven fours and as many sixes, with 70 of his 85 runs coming in boundaries. He took his tally to 17 sixes in five matches, equalling the record for most sixes in a T20 World Cup edition set by his former teammate Nicholas Pooran in 2024. The 19 sixes hit by West Indies matched the record for the most in a T20 World Cup innings.

Hetmyer walked in during the third over and began with a classy flick to deep midwicket. West Indies were initially checked by Zimbabwe’s new-ball pair of Richard Ngarava (2/47) and Blessing Muzarabani (2/42), reaching 55/2 at the end of the Powerplay. Then came the onslaught.

Hetmyer struck five sixes in six balls, racing from 23 off 13 deliveries to 53 off 20. The Rajasthan Royals batter smashed two sixes off the final two balls of Graeme Cremer’s (1/38) first over and followed that with three more maximums in Sikandar Raza’s (0/52) over, taking 33 runs off just nine balls from the Zimbabwe captain.

He brought up a 19-ball halfcentury, breaking his own record for the fastest T20 World Cup fifty by a West Indian — eclipsing the 22-ball effort he had produced against Scotland at Eden Gardens earlier in the tournament.

Zimbabwe were left ruing missed chances. Tashinga Musekiwa dropped Hetmyer twice — first when he miscued a Muzarabani short ball straight to long leg early in his innings, and again when he was on 70, top-edging Brad Evans to deep midwicket. Musekiwa gestured that he had lost the ball in the lights, but the frustration of his teammates said it all.

Tyson Fury returns to action in six weeks against Russia’s Arslanbek Makhmudov, and fellow Brit — and former Makhmudov opponent — Dave Allen has warned “The Gypsy King” not to underestimate the challenge.

Fury last fought in December 2024, when he suffered a second consecutive defeat to Oleksandr Usyk, before announcing his fifth retirement from the sport. However, 37-year-old now has his sights set on becoming boxing’s fifth three-time heavyweight champion.

For his comeback, Fury has opted to take on Mozdok-born knockout artist Makhumdov, who has gone the distance just twice despite 23 bouts to his name.

One of those contests came four months ago on British soil in Sheffield, where the 36-year-old spoiled the party for Dave Allen with a unanimous-decision win in front of a raucous pro-Allen crowd.

In April, ‘The Lion’ will ironically step foot into the den of his opponent once again, as he seeks a shock win over Fury in London. Speaking to Seconds Out, Allen admitted that Makhmudov’s punch power could see him ‘flatten’ Fury, especially if 14 months of inactivity has caused the home fighter to decline.

“He hits really hard, he does hit really hard. If he hits Tyson, he will flatten Tyson, but he has to hit him, which is not an easy feat.

“I think that it is a good match, it is an interesting match because Makhmudov really does hit hard enough to hurt him.

“I think it depends, if Tyson is as good as he was when he last saw him then I think Tyson will win.”

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Fury-Makhmudov takes place on Saturday, April 11, and will be available to watch live on Netflix.

The Army-Navy Game, which has been held on the second Saturday of December since 2009, has been at the center of recent discussions with regard to College Football Playoff expansion and scheduling due to its unique placement on the regular-season schedule. In a departure from recent tradition, Army coach Jeff Monken said he would like to see the historic rivalry game move up a week to pave the way for the CFP to start earlier.

The rivalry series, dubbed “America’s Game,” holds its contests the week after conference championship games to retain its own timeslot. The pageantry and tradition involved with one of college football’s most storied rivalries has long justified the separate window. But amid calls for the season to wrap up earlier than late-January, Monken said moving the Army-Navy Game back to Thanksgiving weekend is necessary.

“There’s not an appetite for the college football season to go all the way to the end of January,” Monken said to The Athletic. “There’s a real hope that we can get this thing into one semester, and have the championship game around Jan. 1, which I think would be awesome.”

Because the CFP avoids broadcast competition with the NFL and prioritizes giving teams a full week between games, the playoff schedule for the next two years comes with lengthy layoffs (nearly two weeks between rounds) and national championship games scheduled for Jan. 25 and Jan. 24. Playoff expansion from four teams to 12 only led to the season extending deeper into the winter.

If the Army-Navy Game were to move back to Thanksgiving weekend, or even to conference championship week, the CFP could begin a week earlier and thus prevent such late winter championship games.

Any proposal to move the annual contest from its protected window would likely receive pushback. President Donald Trump last month said that he plans to sign an executive order which would prevent any football games from going head-to-head with the Army-Navy Game. That came after the now-defunct LA Bowl kicked off a half hour after the start of the 2025 installment.

“I think Army-Navy is a huge part of the history of college football, and what it is today, even,” Monken said. “Give us a four-hour block on Thanksgiving, or on Friday of Thanksgiving, or on Saturday of Thanksgiving, and give us a four-hour block, and just say nobody else plays during this four-hour block. That’s still protecting the game.”

The Army-Navy series began in 1890, and the football game has been contested every year since 1930. Navy holds a 64-55-7 all-time advantage and won the last two meetings, including a 17-16 thriller last season.

CBS Sports has held the broadcast rights for the Army-Navy Game since 1996 and will continue to air the game on its networks through 2038. The 2026 meeting will take place on Dec. 12 at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, as part of commemorating the 25th anniversary of 9/11. 

Manchester United head coach Michael Carrick lauded Benjamin Sesko’s exemplary attitude after the striker emerged from the bench to net the decisive goal in a 1-0 victory over Everton.

The Slovenia international’s late strike marked his third goal in four appearances, maintaining Carrick’s unbeaten start across his six matches in charge.

Despite his impactful contributions, which include two winners and a crucial equaliser, the £66million summer signing is yet to secure a starting spot under Carrick.

Sesko, 22, has now scored six times in his last seven outings. Carrick acknowledged the external focus on the situation but insisted there was no issue between them.

“I get why everyone’s talking about it and making a bigger deal of it, but I’ve got a really good relationship with Ben,” Carrick stated.

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“I’ve got no problem with Ben and he hasn’t got an issue. He obviously wants to play, but I can’t speak highly enough of how he’s been and the work he’s putting in and his attitude to come on and do what he’s done again.

“We’ve had some really good conversations and he’s in a really good place, and part of us is helping him take his steps in development and growing him as a player.

“Sometimes that’s little steps, sometimes that’s bigger steps and he’s taken some huge steps recently. That’s great to see.”

Carrick also reserved praise for goalkeeper Senne Lammens, whose performance secured United’s first away league clean sheet since March.

“For me a goalkeeper has to be reliable, be trustworthy,” he explained. “Instead of creating chaos, you want him to take the chaos away and calm things down. I think Senne does that.”

Everton manager David Moyes admitted his side’s attempts to unsettle Lammens with a barrage of corners in the second half proved futile.

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Moyes was effusive in his praise for the United stopper, saying: “The goalie was bloody brilliant. The save he made from Michael Keane, the way he dealt with the corners.

“We hoped somewhere we’d have got a nick on one of them with the pressure we had in those situations. I thought we would get one, but we didn’t. For me he was the best player on the pitch.”

The defeat means Everton have now won just four of their 14 Premier League fixtures at their new stadium. Moyes conceded his team is still adjusting to their new surroundings.

“I think there is probably a change – other teams come here and enjoy it,” he remarked.

“There are things about it which are different and we have to get used to. But I think our games are better than at Goodison. Our team is better this year and it wasn’t as if we were winning every game at Goodison, to be honest.”

Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Rondale Moore passed away on Saturday, February 21, a death widely reported as a tragic suicide. And as the team’s players, coaches, staff, owners, and fans mourned Moore’s passing, Vikings defender Jonathan Greenard used his social media microphone to remind the world that players see the same tweets as you.

Greenard urged caution online while Minnesota offered support following the sudden passing of wideout Rondale Moore.

Greenard was sure to emphasize that athletes are humans, too.

A Message Echoes across a Grieving Locker Room

Think before you type and send, Greenard says.

Moore Dead at 25

NFL.com reported Saturday night, “NFL wide receiver Rondale Moore, who played most recently for the Minnesota Vikings, was found dead Saturday night in Indiana, authorities said. He was 25. Police said Moore died of a suspected self-inflicted gunshot wound. Moore was found dead in the garage of a property in his hometown of New Albany, police chief Todd Bailey said. The death remains under investigation.”

“Floyd County Coroner Matthew Tomlin did not share additional details on the circumstances of Moore’s death but said there was no threat to the public and an autopsy would be conducted Sunday. Moore, a receiver and return specialist drafted in the second round out of Purdue University, spent his first three years in the NFL with the Arizona Cardinals.”

Back in the summer of 2024, Vikings rookie cornerback Khyree Jackson died in a Maryland car accident, and the tragedies have not relented for the franchise.

Greenard’s Tweets

For starters, Las Vegas Raiders safety Jamal Adams tweeted, “I’m not jumping to conclusions, but let me say this. Fans and media be quick to label a player ‘injury prone.’ We don’t choose to get hurt… sometimes shit just happens. Y’all don’t see the rehab, the pain, the mental drain it causes. That process can make you lose yourself. This shit is real. No matter how much support you get, you still gotta fight that battle alone. Prayers up for Rondale Moore and his family. He was a baller, no question.”

Greenard retweeted the Adams tweet and commented, “Ppl legit will say the most craziest things tryna be funny on this app. Then turn around wondering why the players mentals are COOKED. Players see ALL the tweets just like yall do bc WE ARE HUMAN JUST LIKE YALL. Algorithms will flood your page w BS that other ppl try to bring you down with.”

“This isn’t all on the media but they play a part. Especially these bot pages. Use that block button and go pray for clarity on your identity fellas. We got too much life to live than to succumb to the negativity in our most vulnerable periods of time.”

It’s a familiar line of defense: fans often treat football players like Roman gladiators; they’re just humans and mortals like you.

Other Players Agree

J.J. Watt, a teammate of Moore in Arizona, tweeted, “Can’t even begin to fathom or process this. There’s just no way. Way too soon. Way too special. So much left to give. Rest in Peace Rondale.”

Hollywood Brown: “Bro ain’t no way brotha you just messaged me few hours ago. You wasn’t alone bro.. I told you I know how you feel.”

Kyler Murray posted on Instagram, “Just spoke to you bro. Blessed to have been able to share this life with you. I pray you’re in a better place now Ra.”

The NFL Players Association released this statement: “In moments like this, we are reminded of how much our players carry, on and off the field. To our members: Please know that support is always within reach. Check on your teammates and prioritize your mental health. If you or someone you know is struggling, we encourage you to take advantage of the many confidential resources and services available to you through the NFLPA.”

Statement from the Vikings

The Vikings issued this statement: “We are deeply saddened by the passing of Rondale Moore. While we are working to understand the facts, we have spoken with Rondale’s family to offer our condolences and the full support of the Minnesota Vikings.”

“We have also been in communication with our players, coaches, and staff, and will make counseling and emotional support resources available to anyone in need. Our thoughts are with Rondale’s family and friends during this devastating time.”

The day after Moore’s death, former Vikings defensive back Ronyell Whitaker also passed away at the age of 46. He played for the Vikings in 2006 and 2007.

Moore was the Big Ten Wide Receiver of the Year in 2018.

Women’s T20 World Cup (Pic Credit – X)

NEW DELHI: The International Cricket Council on Tuesday announced the full schedule for the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026, setting the stage for the biggest edition in the tournament’s history, with 12 teams competing for the coveted title from June 12 to July 5 in England.Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE NOW!Hosts England will launch the tournament against Sri Lanka on June 12, marking the beginning of a nearly month-long spectacle that will culminate in the final at the iconic Lord’s Cricket Ground on July 5. India will open their campaign against Pakistan at Edgbaston on June 14.This edition will feature the largest field ever assembled in the competition. Bangladesh, Ireland, Scotland and the Netherlands secured the final four spots through the qualifying tournament in Nepal, joining defending champions New Zealand, six-time winners Australia, 2016 champions West Indies, hosts England, ODI world champions India, Pakistan, South Africa and Sri Lanka.The group stage promises several high-profile clashes.

ICC CEO Sanjog Gupta described the schedule release as a significant moment for the global game.“The release of the schedule is an important milestone in the run-up to the global, premier sporting event,” Gupta said, emphasising the governing body’s continued investment in women’s cricket through expanded participation, improved pathways, enhanced production standards and increased commercial opportunities.He added that recent global events had helped elevate the women’s game and expressed confidence that the upcoming tournament would further strengthen its popularity and global reach.“The ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup in India served as a force multiplier for the sport – breaking records, capturing imaginations and inspiring communities – and our ambition is to carry the momentum into the event in June-July,” he added.

Full Schedule of ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026

Golf rewards early dedication. Most elite players are prodigious talents who started young and stayed committed, progressing from the junior circuit to college programs and then on to the professional game. Of course, a few take detours. But there’s one main road, and it’s long and narrow.

Golf course architecture could hardly be more different. For every great designer who took to doodling golf holes when they were still in diapers, there are others who fell sideways into the field. Alister MacKenzie was a surgeon in the British army long before he routed his first course. Kye Goalby worked in finance. Bill Coore studied classics in college, with an eye toward becoming a professor.

Then there’s Mike Koprowski, among the most unlikely stories of them all.

Though Koprowski played golf in high school, he never considered the game as a career. At the University of Notre Dame, he enrolled in ROTC and, after graduation, served as an Air Force intelligence officer overseas. He went on to stack degrees from Duke and Harvard and built a résumé in public policy and education. Golf architecture filled a quieter corner of his mind: a fascination, not a plan, and certainly not a way to make a living.

Eventually, in a move that felt equal parts reckless and inevitable, Koprowski turned his back on Beltway stability and cold-emailed the architect Kyle Franz, which led to an apprenticeship in the Sandhills outside Pinehurst. He learned the craft from the dirt up — shaping, clearing, studying soils — and, before long, did something even bolder: He bought a rumpled stretch of sandy ground outside Columbia, S.C., and set about building his own course.

The result is Broomsedge, set on 197 acres of blowy terrain, its fairways stitched between native grasses and sandy scrapes. It is, by any measure, an improbable achievement.

A few weeks ago, the Destination Golf podcast team visited  Broomsedge, where we recorded an on-course episode with Koprowski. You’ve heard of playing lessons. This was a playing interview. During the round, Koprowski talked about his unlikely path into architecture and the hard lessons that came with betting on himself. There were moments, he admitted, when the bank balance was bleak and his pie-in-the-sky project appeared doomed. But the vision held.

Others have taken notice. With Broomsedge up and running to rave reviews, Koprowski is fielding opportunities for additional work. One project, Candyroot — a destination resort in the works at the edge of the Carolina sandbelt — is still under wraps, with details to be unveiled soon. For a guy who once wondered how anyone breaks into this business without inherited land or inherited wealth, the irony isn’t lost.

Koprowski says he almost has to pinch himself when someone asks him to price out his services.

“I have a really hard time knowing what I should charge, because I’m having so much fun, I’d probably do it for free,” he says.

As for advice to aspiring architects? It’s disarmingly simple. Read books on design. Travel to see as many great courses as you can. Study the ground. And then, he says, offering counsel that applies well beyond golf, “throw caution to the wind.” 

Life, after all, is like a twilight golf. You only go around once. You can watch the entire episode on Spotify here.