Cricket fans around the world are counting down the days until the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025 begins.
The ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025 schedule promises the most exciting women’s cricket tournament in recent memory.
This marquee 50-over women’s tournament kicks off on September 30, with five cities across Sri Lanka and India playing host to this spectacular event.
The International Cricket Council has unveiled the complete schedule for the 2025 edition of the Women’s Cricket World Cup, creating enormous excitement among cricket enthusiasts globally.
The tournament brings together eight of the world’s finest cricket teams for over a month of intense competition that will determine the new world champions.
What makes this tournament particularly special is the incredible opening matchups that have been scheduled.
Hosts India will take on Sri Lanka in the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025 opener on September 30, 2025, in Bengaluru.
The very next day, reigning champions Australia will open their title defence against Trans-Tasman rivals and defending T20 World Cup champions New Zealand in Indore.
Contents
- ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025 Schedule & Fixtures
- Tournament Structure and Competition Format
- Participating Teams and Their Qualification Stories
- Host Cities and Venue Characteristics
- Key Matchups and Rivalry Analysis
- Team Squad Status and Player Expectations
- Tournament Schedule and Match Distribution
- Historical Context and Tournament Significance
- Broadcasting and Global Reach
- Economic and Cultural Impact
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Looking Ahead: Tournament Expectations
- Conclusion:
ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025 Schedule & Fixtures
The schedule for the eight-team tournament was confirmed by the ICC on Monday, with the event set to run in India and Sri Lanka from September 30 to November 2.
This timeline ensures cricket fans get over a month of world-class entertainment, featuring the sport’s biggest stars competing at the highest level.
The upcoming edition will be the 13th since the tournament’s inception in 1973, marking over five decades of women’s cricket excellence and growth.
Tournament Structure and Competition Format
The Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025 follows a proven format designed to showcase the best cricket while ensuring fair competition among all participating teams.
Tournament Format Overview:
| Competition Phase | Details | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Warm-up Matches | 2 matches per team | September 24-27 |
| Round-Robin Stage | 8 teams, each play 7 matches | September 30 – October 28 |
| Semi-Finals | The top 4 teams compete | October 29-30 |
| Grand Final | Championship match | November 2 |
| Total Tournament | 34 days of cricket | September 24 – November 2 |
The eight-team tournament will be played with teams facing the rest of the competition in a single round-robin format, with the top four sides progressing to the semi-finals. This structure ensures every match carries significance while giving each team multiple opportunities to demonstrate their capabilities.
Teams will also contest in two warm-up matches each, starting on September 24. These preparation matches allow teams to adjust to local conditions and fine-tune their strategies before the competitive action begins.
Participating Teams and Their Qualification Stories
Eight exceptional cricket teams have earned their places through rigorous qualification processes, each bringing unique strengths and compelling storylines to this championship.
Championship Qualification Routes:
| Team | Qualification Method | Notable Achievement |
|---|---|---|
| Australia | ICC Women’s Championship Winner | Defending champions, 7th title |
| England | ICC Women’s Championship Top 6 | 2022 runners-up |
| New Zealand | ICC Women’s Championship Top 6 | Current T20 World Champions |
| South Africa | ICC Women’s Championship Top 6 | Consistent performers |
| Sri Lanka | ICC Women’s Championship Top 6 | Co-host advantage |
| India | Host Nation Rights | Automatic qualification |
| Pakistan | World Cup Qualifier Winner | Top 2 finish in April |
| Bangladesh | World Cup Qualifier Winner | Strong qualifier campaign |
Defending champions Australia, who clinched their seventh title in 2022, went on to top the ICC Women’s Championship Standings, with the top six teams of the competition qualifying automatically for the World Cup. England, New Zealand, South Africa, and Sri Lanka also punched their ticket via the Women’s Championship alongside hosts India.
The final two spots were decided by the Women’s Cricket World Cup Qualifier earlier in the year, where Pakistan and Bangladesh booked their passage by finishing in the top two at the Qualifier back in April.
Host Cities and Venue Characteristics
Five magnificent cities across the two host nations will welcome the world’s best cricket teams, each offering unique playing conditions and passionate local support.
Tournament Venues:
| City | Country | Stadium | Key Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bengaluru | India | M. Chinnaswamy Stadium | Tournament opener, potential final venue |
| Indore | India | Holkar Cricket Stadium | Australia vs New Zealand showcase |
| Visakhapatnam | India | ACA-VDCA Stadium | Coastal conditions, batting paradise |
| Guwahati | India | Barsapara Cricket Stadium | Northeast India’s cricket hub |
| Colombo | Sri Lanka | R. Premadasa Stadium | Historic venue, spin-friendly |
A total of five cities across the two countries will host matches, with Bengaluru, Vizag, Indore, Guwahati, and Colombo all scheduled for fixtures.
One semi-final will be held in Bengaluru, with the other to be played in either Colombo or Guwahati. The Final is scheduled for November 2 in Bengaluru or Colombo.
Each venue brings distinct characteristics that will influence match strategies and outcomes, creating varied challenges for all competing teams throughout the tournament.
Key Matchups and Rivalry Analysis
The tournament schedule features several marquee matchups that promise exceptional cricket entertainment from the very beginning.
Opening Week Spectacular:
The tournament opener between India and Sri Lanka on September 30 in Bengaluru sets the perfect tone for the competition. As co-hosts, both teams will be desperate to start strongly in front of passionate home crowds.
The following day brings one of cricket’s greatest rivalries when Australia faces New Zealand in Indore on October 1. This Trans-Tasman clash features the defending World Cup champions against the current T20 World Cup champions, creating incredible anticipation among fans.
Warm-up Match Highlights:
Hosts India will be facing the runners-up from the 2022 edition of the tournament, England, in Bengaluru on September 24, followed by a clash against South Africa three days later in Guwahati. These warm-up matches provide perfect preparation while offering fans early glimpses of tournament favorites in action.
Championship Contender Analysis:
- Australia: The defending champions enter as clear favorites, having demonstrated consistent excellence across all formats. Their experience in pressure situations and depth of talent makes them formidable opponents for any team.
- England: The 2022 runners-up return with strong motivation to claim their first title since 2017. Their balanced squad composition and recent international performances suggest they’re well-prepared for championship success.
- India: Playing at home provides significant advantages, including familiar conditions, passionate crowd support, and reduced travel demands. Their recent form indicates genuine championship potential.
- New Zealand: Current T20 World Cup champions bring a winning mentality and tactical expertise that translates excellently to 50-over cricket. Their team cohesion and fighting spirit make them dangerous opponents.
Team Squad Status and Player Expectations
The squad of any team has not been announced yet, creating anticipation among cricket fans and media worldwide. Squad announcements typically occur 4-6 weeks before major tournaments, allowing teams to assess player form and fitness comprehensively.
- Expected Squad Composition: Each team can select 15 players, including specialist batters, bowlers, all-rounders, and wicket-keepers. The 50-over format demands specific skills and strategic thinking that influence selection decisions.
- Key Player Categories: Successful World Cup teams typically feature explosive opening partnerships, reliable middle-order stability, effective bowling attacks across different conditions, and exceptional fielding standards that create match-winning moments.
Tournament Schedule and Match Distribution
The carefully planned schedule ensures competitive balance while maximizing entertainment value across all participating venues.
Phase-wise Breakdown:
- Preparation Phase (September 24-27): Teams complete warm-up matches to adjust to local conditions and finalize playing combinations.
- Round-Robin Phase (September 30 – October 28): Each team plays seven matches against every other participant, creating 28 exciting encounters where every result impacts semi-final qualification.
- Knockout Phase (October 29 – November 2): The top four teams compete in semi-finals before the championship final determines the new world champions.
- Match Timing and Global Accessibility: Most matches begin at optimal times for both local attendance and international broadcasting, ensuring maximum global viewership and engagement.
Historical Context and Tournament Significance
This tournament represents over five decades of women’s cricket evolution since the competition’s inception in 1973. Each edition has contributed to the sport’s growth and development worldwide.
- Tournament Legacy: The 13th edition showcases remarkable progress in playing standards, global participation, and fan engagement. More countries now have competitive women’s cricket programs than ever before.
- Championship History: Australia’s dominance with seven titles demonstrates their consistent excellence, while other nations continue developing programs to challenge their supremacy.
Broadcasting and Global Reach
The tournament will reach cricket fans worldwide through comprehensive broadcasting arrangements coordinated by the ICC and local media partners.
- Viewing Accessibility: Matches will be available across television networks, digital platforms, and streaming services, ensuring global audiences can follow their favorite teams throughout the competition.
- Media Coverage: Extensive coverage includes live broadcasts, highlights packages, expert analysis, and behind-the-scenes content that brings fans closer to the action.
Economic and Cultural Impact
The tournament generates significant economic benefits for both host nations through tourism, hospitality, and local business support.
- Tourism Benefits: Cricket fans traveling from around the world contribute to hotel bookings, restaurant visits, transportation usage, and cultural site visits, creating a lasting economic impact.
- Infrastructure Development: Tournament hosting requirements drive improvements to stadium facilities, transportation networks, and accommodation options that benefit local communities long after the final match concludes.
- Cultural Exchange: International participation promotes cultural understanding and friendship between nations through shared sporting experiences and community interactions.
Frequently Asked Questions
- When does the tournament begin?
The ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025 starts on September 30, 2025, with India playing Sri Lanka in Bengaluru.
- Which teams qualified for the tournament?
Eight teams qualified: Australia, England, New Zealand, South Africa, Sri Lanka, India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh.
- How did teams earn qualification?
Six teams qualified through ICC Women’s Championship standings, India qualified as hosts, and Pakistan and Bangladesh earned spots through the April qualifier tournament.
- What cities will host matches?
Five cities host matches: Bengaluru, Indore, Visakhapatnam, and Guwahati in India, plus Colombo in Sri Lanka.
- Who are the defending champions?
Australia are defending champions, having won their seventh title by defeating England in the 2022 final.
- When will team squads be announced?
Squad announcements typically occur 4-6 weeks before tournaments, so expect news in late August or early September 2025.
- What’s the tournament format?
Teams compete in round-robin matches, then the top 4 advance to the semi-finals and the championship final.
- Are there preparation matches?
Yes, teams play two warm-up matches each, starting September 24, 2025.
Looking Ahead: Tournament Expectations
The ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025 promises to deliver exceptional cricket entertainment while advancing the sport’s global development and popularity.
- Competition Level: The combination of experienced championship contenders and emerging cricket nations creates perfect conditions for competitive matches, surprising results, and memorable individual performances.
- Fan Engagement: Passionate crowds in cricket-loving India and Sri Lanka will create incredible atmospheres that inspire players and entertain global television audiences.
- Legacy Impact: The Success of this tournament will influence future hosting decisions, broadcasting investments, and development program funding that benefits women’s cricket worldwide.
Conclusion:
The ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025 represents the pinnacle of women’s cricket competition, bringing together eight exceptional teams for over a month of world-class entertainment.
From the tournament opener between hosts India and Sri Lanka on September 30 to the championship final on November 2, fans can expect incredible cricket action across five magnificent venues.
This 13th edition builds upon over 50 years of tournament history while creating new chapters in women’s cricket development.
The defending champions, Australia, face fierce competition from England, India, New Zealand, and other qualified teams, each bringing unique strengths and championship aspirations.
The single round-robin format followed by knockout stages ensures every match carries importance while providing multiple opportunities for teams to demonstrate their capabilities.
From established cricket powers to emerging nations, Pakistan and Bangladesh, every team has compelling storylines that will unfold throughout the tournament.
Whether you support the experience and consistency of Australia and England, the home advantage of India and Sri Lanka, or the determination of qualifying teams, this tournament guarantees exceptional cricket entertainment and inspiring athletic achievements that will be remembered for years to come.
