by The International Cricket Council (ICC) has officially announced the venues for the 2025 ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup, introducing a hybrid hosting model that reflects the ongoing geopolitical complexities between India and Pakistan. While India is set to host the majority of the tournament, all of Pakistan’s matches will be played in Colombo, Sri Lanka, due to the absence of bilateral cricketing ties between the two nations since 2013.
🏏 Tournament Overview
- Dates: September 30 – November 2, 2025
- Format: Eight teams competing in a round-robin stage followed by semi-finals and a final
- Teams: India (host), Australia (defending champions), England, South Africa, New Zealand, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, and Pakistan
- Venues:
- India: M. Chinnaswamy Stadium (Bengaluru), ACA Stadium (Guwahati), Holkar Stadium (Indore), ACA-VDCA Stadium (Visakhapatnam)
- Sri Lanka: R. Premadasa Stadium (Colombo)
🇵🇰 Pakistan’s Matches in Colombo
In alignment with the ICC’s neutral venue policy for India-Pakistan matches, Pakistan will play all their group stage matches in Colombo, including any potential semi-final or final appearances. This arrangement ensures that the teams do not face each other on home soil, maintaining a neutral ground for their encounters.
🗓️ Key Fixtures
- Opening Match: India vs. TBD in Bengaluru on September 30
- Semi-Finals:
- October 29: Guwahati or Colombo (if Pakistan qualifies)
- October 30: Bengaluru
- Final: November 2 in Bengaluru or Colombo (if Pakistan qualifies)
🌐 Implications and Future Outlook
The hybrid hosting model not only addresses the current political sensitivities but also sets a precedent for future ICC events. This approach was previously implemented during the men’s Champions Trophy, where India played its matches in Dubai while Pakistan hosted the tournament.
For Pakistan, playing in Colombo presents both challenges and opportunities. While they will be away from familiar conditions, the neutral venue could level the playing field against stronger teams. Historically, Pakistan’s women’s team has not advanced to the finals of a World Cup, but this tournament offers a chance to change that narrative.
🏆 Conclusion
The ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025 promises to be a landmark event, not just for the sport but also for international relations within cricket. The innovative hosting strategy underscores the ICC’s commitment to inclusivity and adaptability, ensuring that the game continues to thrive despite geopolitical challenges.
