2025 Women’s ODI World Cup: The cricketing world is preparing for one of the most anticipated events in women’s sports, the ICC Women’s ODI World Cup 2025. This time, the tournament brings its excitement back to the subcontinent, as India and Sri Lanka have been officially announced as co-hosts. Running from September 30 to November 2, the competition promises to deliver edge-of-the-seat action across five vibrant venues.
For India, this marks the return of the Women’s World Cup after more than a decade. The last time the nation hosted the event was in 2013. Matches will be spread across four Indian cities, Bengaluru, Guwahati, Indore, and Visakhapatnam, with Colombo in Sri Lanka serving as the fifth and neutral venue. The return of this tournament to Indian soil has generated significant excitement, with venues being readied to welcome the world’s best women cricketers.
The International Cricket Council (ICC) finalized these decisions in a recent meeting, which also covered the future roadmap for women’s cricket. One of the most talked-about arrangements is the hybrid model created to accommodate political sensitivities. Due to ongoing diplomatic tensions between India and Pakistan, all of Pakistan’s matches will be played in Colombo, instead of India. This mirrors the 2025 Champions Trophy strategy, where India’s men’s team played their matches in Dubai instead of traveling to Pakistan.
As a result, Pakistan’s women’s team will not step on Indian soil, regardless of how far they progress. If they reach the semi-finals or even the final, those matches will also be held in Colombo. This setup ensures their participation without political hurdles while keeping the integrity of the tournament intact.
Women’s ODI World Cup – India and Sri Lanka Ready for Shared Hosting Responsibilities
This edition of the Women’s ODI World Cup features eight elite teams: India, Australia, England, South Africa, New Zealand, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and Bangladesh. These teams will clash in a round-robin format, playing a total of 31 matches. The top four teams will then proceed to the semi-finals.
India’s M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru is slated to host the opening match on September 30 and possibly the final on November 2 unless Pakistan qualifies. If that happens, the final will be shifted to R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo, following the hybrid model.
Two semi-finals are scheduled before the grand finale. One is expected to be held in either Guwahati or Colombo on October 29, and the second semi-final will take place in Bengaluru on October 30. There’s particular excitement around the inclusion of Holkar Stadium in Indore and ACA-VDCA Stadium in Visakhapatnam, both of which are returning to women’s international cricket. Indore will be hosting a women’s international match for the first time, while Visakhapatnam returns after a long hiatus.
Interestingly, New Chandigarh, once a contender for the final, has been dropped from the list. According to reports, the BCCI was not keen on India potentially playing a final in a city where the team has never played before. Thus, more familiar and historically significant venues were prioritized for the marquee games.
The announcement has been met with widespread enthusiasm from fans, stakeholders, and players alike. Women’s cricket continues to grow in popularity, and this edition of the World Cup is expected to break viewership and attendance records, especially with matches scheduled across cricket-loving cities in India and Sri Lanka.
Lord’s to host Women’s T20 WC semis and final
While preparations are in full swing for the 2025 Women’s ODI World Cup, the ICC has also unveiled key details for the Women’s T20 World Cup 2026, to be held in England. Starting on June 12, this edition will be the biggest yet, featuring twelve teams, making it the most inclusive and competitive version so far.
The final will be played at the historic Lord’s Cricket Ground on July 5, a fitting venue for such a grand occasion. Semi-final matches are scheduled to be held at The Oval on June 30 and July 2, promising high-octane encounters at iconic stadiums.
Eight teams have already qualified: England, Australia, India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, South Africa, the West Indies, and defending champions New Zealand. A global qualifier next year will decide the remaining four spots, adding another layer of excitement as more nations strive to join the elite tournament.
With two major women’s tournaments on the horizon, the ICC’s plans signal a bright future for the women’s game. The growing investment in infrastructure, increased participation, and higher visibility promise to elevate women’s cricket to even greater heights.
The 2025 ODI World Cup, in particular, is shaping up to be a celebration of sporting excellence, cultural pride, and cross-border cooperation, despite the diplomatic challenges involved. As India and Colombo gear up to co-host this remarkable event, fans worldwide await a tournament filled with passion, strategy, and unforgettable moments.
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