ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025: India and Sri Lanka Co-Host Spectacular Event
Introduction: A Landmark in Women’s Cricket
The ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025 has begun, uniting fans worldwide with a celebration of women’s ODI cricket. This 13th edition, running from 30 September to 2 November 2025, is co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka across iconic stadiums. With eight top teams competing in a round-robin format, the tournament represents not only sporting excellence but also the rising global prominence of women’s cricket.
Tournament Overview and Key Details
Tournament duration: 30 September – 2 November 2025
Hosts: India (majority of matches), Sri Lanka (neutral venue for Pakistan’s fixtures)
Teams: India, Australia, England, New Zealand, South Africa, Sri Lanka, Pakistan, Bangladesh
The round-robin structure ensures each team plays the others once. The top four teams after the league stage will proceed to the semi-finals. The final is scheduled for Navi Mumbai, India, but if Pakistan qualifies, the venue shifts to Colombo, Sri Lanka, to address political sensitivities.
India’s Group Stage Match Schedule
30 September 2025 (Tuesday): India vs Sri Lanka at Assam Cricket Association Stadium, Guwahati – Match starts at 3:00 PM IST.
5 October 2025 (Sunday): India vs Pakistan at R. Premadasa Stadium, Colombo (Sri Lanka) – Match starts at 3:00 PM IST.
9 October 2025 (Thursday): India vs South Africa at ACA–VDCA Stadium, Visakhapatnam – Match starts at 3:00 PM IST.
12 October 2025 (Sunday): India vs Australia at ACA–VDCA Stadium, Visakhapatnam – Match starts at 3:00 PM IST.
19 October 2025 (Sunday): India vs England at Holkar Stadium, Indore – Match starts at 3:00 PM IST.
23 October 2025 (Thursday): India vs New Zealand at DY Patil Stadium, Navi Mumbai – Match starts at 3:00 PM IST.
26 October 2025 (Sunday): India vs Bangladesh at DY Patil Stadium, Navi Mumbai – Match starts at 3:00 PM IST.
Early Highlights from the Tournament
The World Cup opened with a thrilling match in Guwahati, where India defeated Sri Lanka by 59 runs (DLS method). Skipper Harmanpreet Kaur and vice-captain Smriti Mandhana displayed exceptional form. Strong performances from Deepti Sharma and Amanjot Kaur have set a confident tone for India’s campaign.
Prize Money and Broadcasting Rights
The 2025 Women’s World Cup carries a record prize pool of $13.88 million.
Winners: $4.48 million
Runners-up: $2.24 million
Fans in India can follow the tournament live on the Star Sports Network, while JioHotstar provides seamless digital streaming. This extensive coverage ensures cricket enthusiasts won’t miss any action.
Political Sensitivities and Venue Allocation
Due to ongoing political sensitivities, all Pakistan matches are hosted in Sri Lanka. This arrangement balances inclusivity while maintaining fair play. Meanwhile, India’s vibrant cricketing arenas—from Indore to Navi Mumbai—are adding to the festive atmosphere, ensuring fans enjoy a world-class cricket experience.
Growing Importance of Women’s Cricket
The ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025 underscores the sport’s growing stature. With increasing viewership, sponsorships, and global fan engagement, women’s cricket is transitioning from a niche event into mainstream sporting glory. India’s hosting, in partnership with Sri Lanka, is expected to accelerate this trend and inspire young athletes across Asia.
Conclusion
The ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025 is more than a tournament—it is a landmark event in the history of women’s sports. With record prize money, global live coverage, and intense on-field competition, it is destined to leave a lasting legacy. Fans across India, Sri Lanka, and beyond can now witness women’s cricket at its finest.
