The ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025 is officially underway, with India taking on Sri Lanka in Guwahati on September 30. The month-long tournament will feature 28 group stage matches across five venues in India and Sri Lanka, culminating in the final on November 2.
Tournament Format and Venues
The competition follows a round-robin format, with each team facing one another in the group stage. Matches are being held in Guwahati, Indore, Visakhapatnam, Navi Mumbai, and at R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo.
-
Semi-finals: October 29 and October 30
-
Final: November 2
If Pakistan qualifies for the knockouts, the Colombo venue will host their matches. Otherwise, the first semi-final will be played in Guwahati and the final in Navi Mumbai.
Key Matches to Watch
-
Australia vs New Zealand – October 1, Indore
-
England vs South Africa – October 3, Guwahati
-
India vs Pakistan – October 5, Colombo (most anticipated clash)
-
India vs Australia – October 12, Visakhapatnam
-
India vs England – October 19, Indore
India’s Group Matches
India will play seven matches in the group stage:
-
vs Sri Lanka – Sept 30, Guwahati
-
vs Pakistan – Oct 5, Colombo
-
vs South Africa – Oct 9, Visakhapatnam
-
vs Australia – Oct 12, Visakhapatnam
-
vs England – Oct 19, Indore
-
vs New Zealand – Oct 23, Navi Mumbai
-
vs Bangladesh – Oct 26, Navi Mumbai
India’s Squad
Led by captain Harmanpreet Kaur, India enters the tournament in search of their first-ever Women’s World Cup title. Notably, Yastika Bhatia was ruled out due to a knee injury.
India’s full squad:
Uma Chetry, Harleen Deol, Richa Ghosh, Smriti Mandhana, Pratika Rawal, Jemimah Rodrigues, Harmanpreet Kaur (C), Amanjot Kaur, Sneh Rana, Deepti Sharma, Kranti Goud, Arundhati Reddy, Renuka Singh, Shree Charani, Radha Yadav.
Historical Context
-
Australia leads the history books with seven Women’s World Cup titles.
-
England follows with four championships.
-
India has yet to lift the trophy, despite reaching the finals twice.
Looking Ahead
With packed stadiums expected and several blockbuster fixtures lined up, the 2025 Women’s Cricket World Cup is set to be a landmark event. Fans will be watching closely to see if India can finally capture their first title and create history on home soil.
