MUMBAI — The cricketing world turns its gaze to the Indian subcontinent as India and Sri Lanka prepare to co-host the ICC Women's World Cup 2025, a landmark event promising a spectacle of skill, passion, and history in the making.
Scheduled to run from January 28 to March 2, 2025, the tournament marks the first time the premier 50-over competition for women will be shared between two South Asian nations, a testament to the region's burgeoning love for the women's game.
Tournament Format and Participating Teams
The 2025 edition will feature eight top-tier teams battling for the coveted trophy. The qualification pathway was fiercely contested, with the final lineup confirmed after the conclusion of the 2022-2025 ICC Women's Championship and a global qualifier tournament.
The eight competing nations are:
India (Host), Sri Lanka (Host), Australia, England, South Africa, New Zealand, West Indies, and Pakistan.
The teams will be divided into two groups of four, playing a round-robin format within their group. The top two teams from each group will then progress to the semi-finals, setting the stage for the grand finale at the iconic Brabourne Stadium in Mumbai on March 2nd.
Key Fixtures and Group Stage Highlights
The tournament opener on January 28th will see the host nation, India, take on a formidable New Zealand side at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai, a venue steeped in cricketing history.
One of the most anticipated group stage clashes is the repeat of the 2022 and 2017 finals, where defending champions Australia will face a resurgent England at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru on February 5th.
Other key fixtures in the initial stage include:
India vs. Pakistan at the Eden Gardens, Kolkata (February 9), and Australia vs. South Africa at the Arun Jaitley Stadium, Delhi (February 14).
Group A (Provisional Fixtures)
- Jan 28: India vs New Zealand, Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai
- Jan 30: England vs West Indies, M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru
- Feb 2: New Zealand vs England, Arun Jaitley Stadium, Delhi
- Feb 5: Australia vs England, M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru
- Feb 9: India vs Pakistan, Eden Gardens, Kolkata
Group B (Provisional Fixtures)
- Jan 29: Australia vs South Africa, Arun Jaitley Stadium, Delhi
- Jan 31: Sri Lanka vs Pakistan, R. Premadasa Stadium, Colombo
- Feb 3: South Africa vs West Indies, Sinhalese Sports Club, Colombo
- Feb 7: Sri Lanka vs New Zealand, R. Premadasa Stadium, Colombo
- Feb 12: Pakistan vs South Africa, Galle International Stadium, Galle
Knockout Stages and The Road to the Final
The business end of the tournament begins on February 26th with the first semi-final in Colombo, followed by the second semi-final in Mumbai on February 27th. The two victorious teams will then embark on their final journey to Mumbai's Brabourne Stadium.
An ICC spokesperson highlighted the significance of the venue, stating, "Hosting the final at the Brabourne Stadium is a fitting tribute to the growth of women's cricket. We expect a full house and an electric atmosphere for what promises to be a historic match."
Results and Live Scorecard Access
Throughout the tournament, fans can follow all the action with comprehensive live scorecards, ball-by-ball commentary, and video highlights available on the official ICC website and its mobile application.
Key platforms for updates include:
ESPNcricinfo, the official broadcasters (Star Sports Network in India and Sri Lanka), and various international sports broadcast partners.
Post-match, detailed scorecards will be published, offering in-depth analysis of player performances, including batting strike rates, bowling economies, and the ever-crucial Player of the Match awards.
Teams to Watch and Star Players
The Australian team, led by a dominant Alyssa Healy, enters as the firm favorite, aiming for a historic third consecutive World Cup title. Their squad, brimming with all-round talent like Ellyse Perry and Ashleigh Gardner, sets a high benchmark.
However, the host nation, India, captained by the inspirational Harmanpreet Kaur, carries the hopes of a billion fans. With the spin wizardry of Deepti Sharma and the explosive batting of Smriti Mandhana, they are poised for a strong challenge on home soil.
England, the 2017 champions, and South Africa, perennial dark horses, cannot be discounted. A veteran of the game remarked, "The gap is closing. On their day, any of these top six teams can beat anyone."
A Tournament of Firsts and Legacy
The 2025 World Cup is more than just a competition; it's a catalyst for change. By hosting matches in iconic, large-capacity venues traditionally reserved for men's cricket, the event signals a new era of investment and visibility for women's sports in the region.
Organizers have also emphasized creating a fan-friendly environment, with affordable ticket prices and community engagement programs designed to inspire the next generation of cricketers across India and Sri Lanka.
As the world's best female cricketers descend upon the subcontinent, the ICC Women's World Cup 2025 is set to be a celebration of athletic excellence and a pivotal moment for the future of the women's game globally.