The ICC’s official schedule for the 2025 ICC ODI Women’s World Cup marks a pivotal moment in the evolution of women’s cricket. Slated from September 30 to November 2, the tournament will unfold across five venues in India and Sri Lanka, notably including M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru, signaling a strategic rethink around audience engagement and visibility.
Joining Bengaluru on the venue list are ACA Stadium (Guwahati), Holkar Stadium (Indore), ACA-VDCA Stadium (Visakhapatnam), and R. Premadasa Stadium (Colombo). Earlier speculation included Raipur and Mullanpur, but the final line-up blends new exposure with proven support.
Bengaluru, the lone Tier I city, emerges as a key site not just for its infrastructure, but its enthusiastic support for the women’s game. The city has successfully hosted two WPL seasons and international ODIs with strong turnout, including a packed stadium during India’s series against South Africa in 2024. Its consistent backing stands in contrast to cities where even men’s World Cup matches struggled to draw crowds for non-India fixtures.
While the move to broaden cricket’s reach is commendable, this year’s selection prioritizes fan energy and engagement—a vital ingredient for elevating women’s cricket. The tournament will kick off in Bengaluru, with the second semi-final on October 30 also scheduled there. The final, on November 2, is set for Bengaluru unless Pakistan qualifies, in which case it shifts to Colombo under an ICC agreement.
Now, the spotlight turns to the fans—to fill stands and amplify the momentum.
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