The International Cricket Council (ICC) has officially released the match schedule for the 2025 ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup, set to take place this September across India and Sri Lanka. The tournament promises to be one of the most exciting yet, with a hybrid model in place following geopolitical tensions earlier this year.
While India is the primary host, Pakistan’s matches will be held in Colombo, Sri Lanka’s capital, due to India’s refusal to host the Pakistan team on home soil. In turn, India will play all its matches in Dubai, designated as a neutral venue — echoing the arrangement used during the 2025 Champions Trophy.
The World Cup begins on September 30, with India taking on Sri Lanka at Bengaluru’s iconic M Chinnaswamy Stadium at 3:00 p.m. local time.
Defending champions Australia will face New Zealand the next day at Holkar Cricket Stadium in Indore, while Pakistan begins their campaign on October 2 against Bangladesh in Colombo.
The much-anticipated India vs. Pakistan showdown is scheduled for October 5, though it will take place under unique circumstances with both teams based in different host nations.
Pakistan’s full round-robin schedule is as follows:
- Oct 2: vs Bangladesh
- Oct 5: vs India
- Oct 8: vs Australia
- Oct 15: vs England
- Oct 18: vs New Zealand
- Oct 21: vs South Africa
- Oct 24: vs Sri Lanka
Semi-finals will be played on October 29 and 30, followed by the final on November 2.
ICC Chairman Jay Shah welcomed the announcement, stating:
“The confirmation of the schedule only builds further excitement and anticipation. With the eight best teams in the women’s game descending on India, alongside incredible venues and what promises to be record-breaking crowds, we are all looking forward to an unforgettable tournament.”
Pakistan’s qualification came after a dominant performance in the ICC Women’s World Cup Qualifiers in Lahore this April, where they secured their spot with an emphatic 87-run victory over Thailand in the final.
With historic rivalries, world-class venues, and a new hybrid hosting model, the 2025 Women’s World Cup is shaping up to be a defining moment in the evolution of the women’s game.