Is Colombo the Next Venue for the 2025 Women’s ODI World Cup?

Synopsis
Exciting news for cricket fans! The ICC has confirmed that the 2025 Women’s ODI World Cup will be hosted in India, with Colombo joining as a venue. Kicking off on September 30, this tournament promises thrilling matches and unforgettable moments as top teams compete for glory.
Key Takeaways
- ICC announced 2025 Women’s ODI World Cup dates.
- Colombo included as a venue following Pakistan's qualification.
- First match scheduled for September 30 in Bengaluru.
- Australia enters as the reigning champion.
- Format remains consistent with the 2022 tournament.
New Delhi, June 2 (NationPress) The International Cricket Council (ICC) has officially announced that the 2025 Women's ODI World Cup will take place in India from September 30 to November 2, featuring the R. Premadasa International Cricket Stadium in Colombo as one of the chosen venues.
In addition to Colombo, other selected locations within India include the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru, the ACA Stadium in Guwahati, the Holkar Stadium in Indore, and the ACA-VDCA Stadium in Visakhapatnam. The tournament will kick off with a thrilling match featuring the co-hosts, India, in Bengaluru on September 30, marking the tournament's return to the country for the first time since 2013.
Bengaluru has consistently been a hub for women's cricket, hosting both international fixtures and domestic matches through the Women’s Premier League (WPL). Guwahati previously hosted a T20I series between India and England in 2019, while Visakhapatnam last saw a women’s international match in 2014.
Although Indore's Holkar Stadium has yet to accommodate women’s international matches, the city did host two women’s ODI World Cup games in 2000 at the Nehru Stadium. The inclusion of Colombo as a venue follows Pakistan's successful qualification for the event after winning the qualifying round in Lahore this past April. This is part of a reciprocal agreement established between the BCCI and PCB ahead of the 2025 Champions Trophy.
The ICC has stated that the knockout venue selections are contingent on Pakistan’s qualification, with alternative venues identified for one semifinal and the final. The first semifinal is slated for either Guwahati or Colombo on October 29, while Bengaluru will host the second semifinal on October 30.
The final match is set to occur either in Bengaluru or Colombo on November 2. Colombo will only serve as a venue for the semifinals and finals if Pakistan qualifies for the knockout stage. Other teams participating in the Women's ODI World Cup include Australia, England, South Africa, New Zealand, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, and Pakistan.
Australia enters the tournament as the reigning champions, having triumphed over England in the final of the 2022 Women's ODI World Cup held in New Zealand. Historically, Australia has been the most successful team in this competition, winning the championship on seven occasions.
The format for the 2025 tournament will mirror that of the 2022 edition, featuring eight teams competing in a total of 31 matches, with 28 in the league phase and three in the knockout rounds.