India is set to host the ICC Women’s ODI World Cup 2025 for the fourth time, after previously hosting the tournament in 1978, 1997, and 2013. The final of the World Cup is most likely to be played at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium in Mullanpur. Additionally, matches will also be held in Indore, Raipur, Thiruvananthapuram, and Visakhapatnam.
Notably, apart from Visakhapatnam, all four stadiums – Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Stadium, Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh International Stadium in Raipur, Greenfield International Stadium in Thiruvananthapuram, and Holkar Stadium in Indore – will be hosting their first women’s international match.
This decision to choose smaller venues for such a marquee event in India faced criticism. According to a source from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), the rotation policy was the primary reason behind this move. The source revealed to the Indian Express that the cities hosting the Women’s World Cup matches this year will not be allotted matches during the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, which India will co-host in 2026.
“As the BCCI is going to host the 2026 World Cup, it was decided to give matches to all smaller cities so that they don’t get deprived of holding World Cup games. Those venues that will host Women’s World Cup games won’t be considered for the Men’s T20 World Cup,” the source said.
The Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 is slated to be co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka next year, with the venue selection process expected to commence soon. Meanwhile, India is gearing up to host the women’s ODI World Cup for the first time since 2013, marking the country’s first ICC event since Women’s T20 World Cup 2016.
Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium in Mullanpur, the new home of the Indian Premier League (IPL) franchise Punjab Kings is set to join the illustrious list of venues that have previously hosted the Women’s World Cup finals. This list includes iconic stadiums like Bert Sutcliffe Oval (2000), SuperSport Park (2005), North Sydney Oval (2009), Lords (2017), Hagley Oval (2022) among others.
When India last hosted the World Cup in 1978, 1997 and 2013, the finals were played at Eden Gardens in Kolkata twice (1978,1997) and Brabourne Stadium in Mumbai in 2013. Additionally, cities like Delhi, Lucknow, Mysore, Cuttack, Hyderabad and Patna played host to the league matches.
The journey to the ICC Women’s World Cup 2025 is about to begin soon, as the ICC Women’s World Cup Qualifier gets underway in Pakistan on April 9. This tournament will feature Pakistan, Bangladesh, Ireland, West Indies, Thailand, and Scotland, with the top two teams earning a spot in the Women’s World Cup.
Notably, the qualifier’s outcome will also determine the logistics for Pakistan’s potential participation in the World Cup. Due to a hybrid model agreed upon by the Indian and Pakistani cricket boards prior to the recent Men’s Champions Trophy, Pakistan’s matches will be played in neighboring countries, such as Sri Lanka or Dubai, if they qualify.
As a result, Thiruvananthapuram has been selected as a venue for the World Cup, owing to its immigration and visa facilities. This will enable the BCCI to accommodate teams competing against Pakistan by flying them from India’s southern coast.
Despite the surprise decision to overlook prime venues for the World Cup, host-nation India will be eager to lift their maiden trophy. The Harmanpreet Kaur-led team will be counting on the passionate fans to cheer them on and provide an extra boost, as they strive to deliver top-notch cricket and make the most of the opportunity.
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