Image Source : Female Cricket
In a major update to the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025 schedule, Navi Mumbai’s DY Patil Stadium has officially replaced Bengaluru’s M Chinnaswamy Stadium as one of the five host venues. The decision, announced by the International Cricket Council on August 22, follows safety concerns and administrative delays at the Bengaluru venue. The tournament, jointly hosted by India and Sri Lanka, will run from September 30 to November 2, featuring eight teams across 31 matches.
Venue Change And Reasoning
- The Karnataka State Cricket Association failed to secure necessary police approvals following a deadly stampede during IPL 2025 celebrations in June
- A government-led inquiry deemed Chinnaswamy Stadium unfit for mass gatherings due to inadequate crowd management infrastructure
- ICC opted for DY Patil Stadium, citing its proven track record during Women’s Premier League matches and strong local support for women’s cricket
Updated Match Allocation
- DY Patil Stadium will now host up to five fixtures, including three league matches, one semifinal, and potentially the final
- The second semifinal is scheduled for October 30 in Navi Mumbai, while the final may be held there or in Colombo depending on team progression
- India’s opening match against Sri Lanka, originally slated for Bengaluru, will now take place in Guwahati on September 30
Revised Fixtures At A Glance
- September 30: India vs Sri Lanka – Guwahati
- October 3: England vs South Africa – Guwahati
- October 20: Sri Lanka vs Bangladesh – Navi Mumbai
- October 23: India vs New Zealand – Navi Mumbai
- October 30: Semifinal 2 – Navi Mumbai
- November 2: Final – Navi Mumbai or Colombo
Remaining Venues And Tournament Structure
- Other confirmed venues include ACA Stadium (Guwahati), Holkar Stadium (Indore), ACA-VDCA Stadium (Visakhapatnam), and R Premadasa Stadium (Colombo)
- The top four teams from the league stage will qualify for the semifinals, with first place facing fourth and second taking on third
- Pakistan’s matches will be played exclusively in Colombo due to a hybrid hosting arrangement
Leadership Commentary And Fan Engagement
- ICC Chairman Jay Shah praised Navi Mumbai’s emergence as a hub for women’s cricket, citing its vibrant atmosphere and infrastructure readiness
- He emphasized that the venue change would not affect the tournament’s integrity and expressed confidence in DY Patil Stadium’s ability to host high-stakes matches
- Organizers are planning fan zones, school outreach programs, and digital engagement campaigns to boost attendance and viewership
Conclusion
The relocation of matches from Bengaluru to Navi Mumbai marks a pivotal adjustment in the ICC Women’s World Cup 2025, driven by safety and logistical considerations. DY Patil Stadium’s inclusion not only ensures continuity but also elevates the tournament’s profile in western India. With the revised fixtures now confirmed, the stage is set for a landmark edition of women’s cricket, promising high-quality competition and widespread fan engagement across India and Sri Lanka.
Sources: ICC Media Release, Outlook India, Cricbuzz, The Hans India.
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