MUMBAI — The International Cricket Council (ICC) has confirmed the full schedule for the 2025 Women's ODI World Cup in India, with defending champions England set to face South Africa in their opening match on October 11 at Mumbai's Wankhede Stadium. The tournament, featuring 10 teams, will run from October 9 to November 20 across four venues in India.
The marquee clash between arch-rivals India and Pakistan is scheduled for October 23 at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru, while Australia, the top-ranked ODI side, will begin their campaign against New Zealand on October 12 in Chennai. The final will be held at the iconic Eden Gardens in Kolkata on November 20, marking the first time India has hosted the Women's World Cup since 2013.
Tournament Structure and Key Fixtures
The 10-team round-robin format ensures each side plays nine group-stage matches, with the top four advancing to the semi-finals. "This schedule ensures competitive balance while giving fans plenty of high-profile matches to look forward to," said ICC CEO Geoff Allardice in a press release.
Key fixtures include:
- Australia vs England (October 15, Mumbai)
- India vs Australia (October 30, Delhi)
- South Africa vs New Zealand (November 5, Bengaluru)
England's Title Defense Begins
England, led by Heather Knight, will aim to retain their title after a thrilling 2022 victory in New Zealand. Their opener against South Africa is a rematch of the 2022 semi-final, where England triumphed by 137 runs. Knight remarked, "South Africa are a formidable side, and starting against them sets the tone for our campaign. We’re excited to play at Wankhede, a venue with so much history."
England’s schedule also includes high-pressure matches against Australia and India, both of whom are strong contenders. Their final group game is against West Indies on November 10 in Delhi.
India’s Home Advantage
Hosts India, led by Harmanpreet Kaur, will open their campaign against Bangladesh on October 9 in Bengaluru. The team will rely heavily on home support, with key players like Smriti Mandhana and Jemimah Rodrigues expected to shine. Kaur stated, "Playing at home is a dream come true. We’ve been preparing for this, and the crowd’s energy will be our 12th player."
India’s most anticipated match—against Australia—comes late in the group stage, giving them time to build momentum. However, their clash with Pakistan, always a high-stakes encounter, could be pivotal for morale. The BCCI has already announced plans for fan zones and discounted tickets to boost attendance.
Venues and Logistics
The four host cities—Mumbai, Bengaluru, Delhi, and Kolkata—were selected for their world-class facilities and historical significance in women’s cricket. Mumbai’s Wankhede Stadium, which hosted the 2011 Men’s World Cup final, will stage seven matches, including the tournament opener and the first semi-final.
Key venue details:
- Wankhede Stadium (Mumbai): Capacity: 33,000 | Matches: 7
- M. Chinnaswamy Stadium (Bengaluru): Capacity: 38,000 | Matches: 8
- Arun Jaitley Stadium (Delhi): Capacity: 41,000 | Matches: 6
- Eden Gardens (Kolkata): Capacity: 68,000 | Matches: Final + 5 group games
Broadcast and Fan Engagement
The ICC has confirmed global broadcast partnerships with Star Sports (India), Sky Sports (UK), Fox Sports (Australia), and ESPN (USA). All matches will also stream live on the ICC’s digital platform. Additionally, the ICC plans interactive fan zones in host cities, featuring player meet-and-greets and cricket-themed activities.
With just over a year to go, excitement is building. As South Africa captain Laura Wolvaardt put it, "This World Cup is a chance to inspire the next generation. The schedule is packed with must-watch games, and we can’t wait to get started." The full fixture list is available on the ICC’s official website, with ticket sales opening next month.