The International Cricket Council (ICC) has announced the much-anticipated venue list for the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025, with Bengaluru’s M. Chinnaswamy Stadium set to host the grand finale on November 2. However, in a unique contingency plan, Colombo will host the final only if Pakistan qualifies for the title clash.
The 2025 edition of the Women’s ODI World Cup will be held from September 30 to November 2, featuring eight teams battling it out in a round-robin format across 28 league matches.
Venues Announced for 2025 Women’s ODI World Cup
- M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru
- ACA Stadium, Guwahati
- Holkar Stadium, Indore
- ACA-VDCA Stadium, Visakhapatnam
- R. Premadasa Stadium, Colombo
India will open the tournament in Bengaluru, marking a return of the Women’s World Cup to Indian soil after 12 years. The last global ICC women’s event hosted in India was the 2016 ICC Women’s T20 World Cup, held in conjunction with the men’s tournament.
Key Knockout Matches
- First Semifinal: October 29 – Guwahati or Colombo
- Second Semifinal: October 30 – Bengaluru
- Final: November 2 – Bengaluru or Colombo (if Pakistan qualifies)
This unique arrangement around Pakistan’s matches follows long-standing diplomatic tensions between India and Pakistan, especially in the realm of bilateral cricket. Hosting Pakistan’s matches in Sri Lanka provides a neutral and politically feasible venue.
What the ICC Said
ICC Chairman Jay Shah expressed enthusiasm about the upcoming events:
“Fans have shown great support for the women’s game in recent years, and I am sure they will start planning for these showpiece events now that they have key dates and venues.
Women’s cricket stands at the forefront of our vision, and we are confident that these upcoming tournaments will elevate the momentum built in recent years.”
Women’s T20 World Cup 2026 – Hosted by England
The ICC also revealed early details of the 2026 Women’s T20 World Cup set to be held in England:
- Opening Match: June 12, 2026 – Edgbaston, Birmingham (England Women to play)
- Final: Scheduled at the iconic Lord’s Cricket Ground
- Total Matches: 33
- Duration: 24 days
- Other Venues:
- Old Trafford (Manchester)
- Headingley (Leeds)
- The Hampshire Bowl (Southampton)
- Bristol County Ground
Quick Takeaways:
- Bengaluru to host Women’s World Cup 2025 Final unless Pakistan qualifies.
- Pakistan’s matches will be played in Colombo due to political considerations.
- India to open the tournament on September 30 in Bengaluru.
- ICC pushing for greater visibility and infrastructure for women’s cricket.
- Women’s T20 World Cup 2026 to be played in England from June 12.
With these announcements, the ICC has not only laid the groundwork for two blockbuster women’s tournaments but also reinforced its commitment to growing the women’s game globally. Fans can now look forward to an action-packed two years of world-class cricket.
