Attention has shifted to the subcontinent with the ICC Women’s ODI World Cup 2025 happening
from September 30 to November 2, co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka. The ICC Women’s ODI
World Cup 2025, which is the 13th event of the quadrennial event, is being touted as the time
when women’s cricket reaches a pinnacle moment, riding on the unprecedented support caused
by the Women’s Premier League (WPL). This tournament marks the fourth time India will host
the event, and the country is adamant it uses the hosting opportunity to finally add an ICC
trophy in the 50-over format.
The Hybrid Model: Spreading the Glory
The tournament showcases eight of the best national teams in the world – including current
champions Australia, England, New Zealand, South Africa, and the host nations. The
tournament is utilizing an innovative hybrid model for the venues, a strategic choice made to
navigate the regional dynamics, while maximizing outreach across the subcontinent.
The four host cities in India are:
● Navi Mumbai (DY Patil Stadium)
● Guwahati (Barsapara Cricket Stadium)
● Indore (Holkar Stadium)
● Visakhapatnam (ACA–VDCA Cricket Stadium)
The fifth venue, which is also considered neutral, is the R. Premadasa Stadium situated in
Colombo, Sri Lanka. Importantly, all matches involving Pakistan will be played in Colombo.
Additionally, the final on November 2 will be hosted either in Colombo or at Navi Mumbai’s DY
Patil Stadium, depending on which teams qualify for the final. If Pakistan is one of the finalists,
they will play at the R. Premadasa Stadium; otherwise, DY Patil Stadium will host the final,
regardless of which teams qualify.
Format, Key Clashes, and High Stakes
The tournament of 31 matches will use a traditional round-robin format, meaning that all eight
teams will face each opponent once in the group stage. The top four teams will then advance to
semi-final matches in late October.
The schedule is lively, with plenty of blockbuster clashes that are sure to attract record crowds:
● India vs Pakistan: The most anticipated rivalry match is scheduled for October 5 in
Colombo.
● India vs Australia: The host nation takes on the defending champions on October 12 in
Visakhapatnam.
● India vs England: The high-stakes clash between two giants of the game takes place
on October 19 in Indore.
With captain Harmanpreet Kaur and vice-captain Smriti Mandhana at the helm, the stakes are
monumental for India, as they hope to win their first-ever ODI World Cup title after being the
runners-up in earlier editions.
The Commercial and Cultural Impact
The Women’s World Cup in India is a defining moment for women’s cricket on the world stage.
After the success of the WPL, there is excitement like never before, and the organizers have
purposely set the ticket prices—with some group games starting as low as ₹100—to promote
record attendance and accessibility. The prize pool for this tournament has been increased
significantly to demonstrate the growing commercial prospects and professionalism in women’s
cricket. From the massive stadium in Guwahati to the coastal humidity of Visakhapatnam, this
event will promote a unique opportunity for a new generation of female cricketers in India and
abroad, cementing cricket in the global mainstream.