The stage is set for the ICC Women’s World Cup 2025, where eight nations will compete for supremacy in the world of women’s cricket.
Hosted by India and Sri Lanka, the tournament promises thrilling action, and Pakistan, led by its determined squad, is all set to take on the world.
Australia, the defending champions and record seven-time winners of the ICC Women’s World Cup, will be looking to continue their dominance, but Pakistan’s young and resilient team is eager to make history.
Here’s everything you need to know about the tournament:
When are the First Match and Final of the Women’s World Cup?
The tournament begins on Tuesday, September 30, with India facing Sri Lanka in Guwahati, and will conclude with the final on Sunday, November 2.
Why Will Some Matches Be Played in Sri Lanka?
Although India is the official host of the ICC Women’s World Cup 2025, some games will take place in Sri Lanka due to an ICC-brokered agreement between India and Pakistan.
The agreement allows both countries the option of playing their matches at a neutral venue due to political tensions and the lack of bilateral cricket series between the two since 2008.
As a result, matches involving Pakistan will be played in Sri Lanka, including the semi-finals and final if Pakistan qualify.
Guwahati will host the first semi-final, but if Pakistan makes it to the last four, the match will shift to Colombo.
Navi Mumbai will host the second semi-final, where India’s squad would play if they reach the final four. If Pakistan qualifies for the final, the location of the final will also shift to Colombo.
Which Venues Will Host the World Cup Matches?
- Dr DY Patil Sports Academy, Navi Mumbai, India
- Barsapara Cricket Stadium, Guwahati, India
- Holkar Stadium, Indore, India
- Dr YS Rajasekhara Reddy ACA-VDCA Cricket Stadium, Visakhapatnam, India
- R Premadasa Stadium, Colombo, Sri Lanka
Which Teams Are Competing, and How Did They Qualify?
- Australia
- Bangladesh
- England
- India
- New Zealand
- Pakistan
- South Africa
- Sri Lanka
Pakistan qualified for the tournament through the World Cup Qualifiers, where they finished second.
India secured their spot as hosts, while Australia, England, New Zealand, South Africa, and Sri Lanka entered the tournament as the top five teams in the ICC Women’s Championship 2022-2025.
When and Where is the India vs Pakistan Match?
Pakistan’s highly anticipated clash against India will take place on Sunday, October 5, at the R Premadasa Stadium in Colombo.
This match will be an intense rivalry, with Pakistan aiming to break their World Cup drought against their formidable neighbours.
India has historically dominated in World Cup encounters, but the momentum is shifting as Pakistan looks to make a mark on the world stage.
What’s the Tournament Format and Schedule?
The Women’s World Cup 2025 will follow a round-robin format from September 30 to October 26. Each team will play against every other team, with the top four teams at the end of the group stage qualifying for the semi-finals on October 29 and 30. The final will be played on November 2.
Who Are the Key Players to Watch?
- Sidra Amin (Pakistan)
- Nahida Akter (Bangladesh)
- Smriti Mandhana (India)
- Deepti Sharma (India)
- Chamari Athapaththu (Sri Lanka)
- Sophie Ecclestone (England)
- Megan Schutt (Australia)
- Ellyse Perry (Australia)
- Laura Wolvaardt (South Africa)
- Amelia Kerr (New Zealand)
Which are the five best group-stage matches of the World Cup?
- India vs Pakistan – October 5, 09:30 GMT
- India vs Australia – October 12, 09:30 GMT
- India vs England – October 19, 09:30 GMT
- Australia vs England – October 22, 09:30 GMT
- Australia vs South Africa – October 25, 09:30 GMT
Past Champions of the Women’s World Cup
- 1973: England
- 1978: Australia
- 1982: Australia
- 1988: Australia
- 1993: England
- 1997: Australia
- 2000: New Zealand
- 2005: Australia
- 2009: England
- 2013: Australia
- 2017: England
- 2022: Australia
What’s the Prize Money for the Women’s World Cup?
- Total prize pool: $13.88 million
- Champions: $4.48 million
- Runners-up: $2.24 million
- Losing semi-finalists: $1.12 million each
- Fifth and sixth place finishers: $700,000 each
- Seventh and eighth place finishers: $280,000 each
How to Buy Tickets for the Women’s World Cup?
Tickets for all group-stage matches are available on the ICC’s official ticketing website, with prices starting as low as $1.
