ICC Women’s ODI World Cup 2025 schedule announced with India and Sri Lanka as co-hosts. Includes full fixtures, India vs Pakistan match details, and knockout format.
Full Tournament Schedule & Key Fixtures
The International Cricket Council (ICC) has unveiled the complete fixture list for the 13th edition of the Women’s One-Day International (ODI) World Cup, scheduled from 30 September to 2 November 2025. Co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka, the tournament will feature eight teams competing in a single round‑robin format, followed by semi‑finals and the grand finale
The opening match is set to take place at Bengaluru’s M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, with hosts India taking on co‑hosts Sri Lanka on 30 September . Other Indian venues include Indore, Vizag, and Guwahati, while Sri Lankan fixtures—including critical neutral‑venue matches—will be held at Colombo’s R. Premadasa Stadium
India’s marquee match against Pakistan has been scheduled for 5 October in Colombo, aligning with the ICC’s neutral‑venue ‘hybrid model’ used to navigate diplomatic sensitivities
Knockout Stage & Final
Following the league phase, the top four teams advance to the semi-finals—one at Guwahati or Colombo on 29 October, and the second at Bengaluru on 30 October The final is scheduled for 2 November, and the venue—either Bengaluru or Colombo—will depend on Pakistan’s progression in the tournament
💡 Why This News Matters
Enhancing Exam Preparation
Students preparing for competitive exams (like UPSC, SSC, Banking, Railways, and State Services) should note that global sports events are frequently referenced in current-affairs sections and general awareness rounds. This comprehensive schedule release illustrates geopolitical considerations (India‑Pakistan tensions), sports diplomacy, and event management—all relevant themes for essay writing, interview discussions, and regulatory or policy‑related general‑knowledge questions.
Spotlight on Women’s Empowerment
Stocked with eight top-level national teams, this tournament exemplifies the growing momentum in women’s sports. Recognizing its structure, host selection, and neutral‑venue arrangements can aid in tackling questions on gender equality, sports governance, international relations, and public administration.
Geopolitical Significance
The decision to host India‑Pakistan matches at neutral venues, such as Colombo, reflects ongoing diplomatic complexities. It highlights how the ICC negotiates political sensitivities, which is a critical insight for aspirants studying foreign policy, sports diplomacy, or government protocols in hosting.
🕰 Historical Context
Origin of the Women’s Cricket World Cup
Launched in 1973, the Women’s Cricket World Cup is the oldest international women’s sporting tournament, predating even the men’s version. Australia has been the most successful team, securing seven titles
India’s Hosting Legacy
India previously hosted the Women’s World Cup in 1978, 1997, and 2013. The upcoming 2025 tournament will be the fourth time India serves as host, with Sri Lanka joining as a co-host for the first time .
Neutral‑Venue ‘Hybrid Model’
Since December 2024, the ICC has adopted a ‘hybrid model’ for India‑Pakistan matches due to diplomatic issues. The ICC first implemented it during the 2025 men’s Champions Trophy, and it continues through multiple upcoming events .
📌 Key Takeaways from ICC Women’s ODI World Cup 2025
| # | Key Takeaway |
|---|---|
| 1 | Tournament timeline: 30 Sept–2 Nov 2025; eight teams in a single round-robin format. |
| 2 | Hosts & venues: India (Bengaluru, Indore, Vizag, Guwahati) and Sri Lanka (Colombo). |
| 3 | Opening fixture: India vs Sri Lanka, 30 Sept, Bengaluru. |
| 4 | Neutral‑venue policy: India-Pakistan matches held in Colombo under ICC’s hybrid model. |
| 5 | Knockout stage: Semis on 29 & 30 Oct; Final on 2 Nov at Bengaluru or Colombo, pending Pakistan’s performance. |
FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. When will the ICC Women’s ODI World Cup 2025 take place?
The tournament is scheduled from 30 September to 2 November 2025.
Q2. Who are the host countries for the Women’s ODI World Cup 2025?
India and Sri Lanka will co-host the ICC Women’s ODI World Cup 2025.
Q3. Why are India vs Pakistan matches being held in Colombo and not in India?
Due to ongoing diplomatic tensions between India and Pakistan, the ICC has decided to implement a neutral venue ‘hybrid model’, placing their match on 5 October in Colombo.
Q4. How many teams will participate in the ICC Women’s World Cup 2025?
A total of eight teams will compete in a round-robin format followed by the knockout stage.
Q5. What is the format of the tournament?
The format includes a single round-robin phase where each team plays the others once. The top four teams advance to the semi-finals, leading to the final.
Q6. Where will the final of the Women’s World Cup 2025 be held?
The final is scheduled for 2 November, with the venue being either Bengaluru or Colombo depending on Pakistan’s qualification.
Q7. Which Indian cities will host World Cup matches?
Matches will be played in Bengaluru, Indore, Visakhapatnam (Vizag), and Guwahati.
Q8. When is the high-profile India vs Pakistan match?
India will face Pakistan on 5 October 2025 in Colombo.
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