Pakistan to play matches in Sri Lanka as ICC announces dates, venues for 2025 Women’s World Cup

The International Cricket Council (ICC) has officially announced the schedule for the 13th edition of the ICC Women’s World Cup 2025, set to take place from September 30 to November 2. The tournament will feature eight top international teams and will be hosted across India and Sri Lanka, following a hybrid model due to ongoing geopolitical tensions.

Key Tournament Details

• Event: ICC Women’s World Cup 2025

• Dates: September 30 – November 2, 2025

• Participating Teams: India, Australia, England, South Africa, New Zealand, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, and Pakistan

• Defending Champions: Australia

• Format: Round-robin group stage followed by knockout rounds

Official Venues

The matches will be played at the following five stadiums:

• India:

  • M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru

  • ACA Stadium, Guwahati

  • Holkar Stadium, Indore

  • ACA-VDCA Stadium, Visakhapatnam

• Sri Lanka:

  • R. Premadasa Stadium, Colombo (for selected knockout matches)

Opening Match and Knockout Fixtures

• Opening Match: India vs. Bangladesh on September 30 in Bengaluru

• First Semifinal: October 29 (Guwahati or Colombo)

• Second Semifinal: October 30 (Bengaluru)

• Final: November 2 (Bengaluru or Colombo)

The venue for the semifinals and final will depend on Pakistan’s qualification. If Pakistan qualifies, Colombo will host those matches.

Hybrid Model Due to Geopolitical Concerns

Due to India’s refusal to travel to Pakistan for the Champions Trophy earlier this year, the ICC has adopted a hybrid model for the Women’s World Cup. According to this model:

• India will play all matches in Dubai, a neutral venue.

• Pakistan will play at neutral venues for all ICC events hosted by India until 2027.

This agreement was made as part of a broader compromise to ensure both nations’ participation in international tournaments without political hindrance.

ICC’s Commitment to Women’s Cricket

ICC Chairman Jay Shah emphasized the growing popularity and importance of the women’s game. He stated:

“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 two upcoming tournaments will not only sustain the incredible momentum we’ve built in recent years but lift it to greater heights.”

Pakistan’s Qualification

Pakistan secured their place in the tournament after defeating Thailand by 87 runs during the ICC Women’s World Cup 2025 Qualifiers held in Lahore in April.