The ICC Women’s ODI World Cup 2025 draft schedule was officially released on Monday, June 16, setting the stage for an exciting tournament filled with high-profile clashes and thrilling cricket action. The standout fixture of the tournament will be the eagerly anticipated match between India and Pakistan on October 5, which will take place in Colombo, Sri Lanka, under the ICC’s hybrid hosting model.
India, as the official hosts of the Women’s ODI World Cup 2025, will be joined by Sri Lanka’s Colombo to host Pakistan’s matches. This unique arrangement is part of the ICC’s efforts to manage the ongoing diplomatic tensions between India and Pakistan while ensuring the tournament runs smoothly and fairly.
India vs Pakistan Match Shifted to Colombo Due to Diplomatic Sensitivities
Amid rising diplomatic sensitivities between India and Pakistan, the ICC has decided to host the high-voltage India vs Pakistan women’s ODI match at a neutral venue in Colombo. This arrangement follows an agreement reached during the ICC Champions Trophy, where India declined to travel to Pakistan for fixtures.
According to the agreement, neither India nor Pakistan will tour each other during ICC tournaments. Instead, matches involving these two nations will take place at neutral venues to avoid complications and maintain the spirit of competitive cricket.
Here is the Women’s ODI World Cup 2025 Tournament Overview in point-wise format:
- Tournament Format History: Same as the 2022 edition of the Women’s ODI World Cup
- Tournament Start Date: September 30, 2025
- Final Match Date: November 2, 2025
- Format: Round-robin; each team plays against all others once
- Number of Teams: 8
- Total League Matches: 28
- Knockout Stage: Top 4 teams qualify for semi-finals
- Host Cities (India): Bengaluru, Indore, Guwahati, Visakhapatnam
- Co-host City (Sri Lanka): Colombo (for Pakistan’s matches under hybrid hosting model)
- Hosting Model: Hybrid model due to diplomatic tensions between India and Pakistan
Key Fixtures and Venue Details
The schedule includes several exciting matchups leading up to the crucial knockout stages. India’s opening match will be against Sri Lanka on September 30 in Bengaluru, marking the tournament’s official start. The schedule also features fierce contests such as South Africa vs England and Australia vs New Zealand.
The semi-finals are scheduled for October 29 and October 30, with the first semi-final venue contingent upon Pakistan’s progression in the tournament. The final on November 2 will be held in either Bengaluru or Colombo, ensuring a fitting climax to the World Cup.
Also Read: India vs England Tests: Top 5 Leading Run-Scorers of All Time
Below is the detailed key fixtures table for the ICC Women’s ODI World Cup 2025:
| Date | Fixture | Venue |
|---|---|---|
| Sept 30 | India vs Sri Lanka | Bengaluru |
| Oct 1 | Australia vs New Zealand | Indore |
| Oct 3 | South Africa vs England | Bengaluru |
| Oct 5 | India vs Pakistan | Colombo |
| Oct 6 | South Africa vs New Zealand | Indore |
| Oct 11 | Sri Lanka vs England | Guwahati |
| Oct 15 | Pakistan vs England | Colombo |
| Oct 22 | England vs Australia | Indore |
| Oct 25 | South Africa vs Australia | Indore |
| Oct 26 (Day) | England vs New Zealand | Guwahati |
| Oct 26 | India vs Bangladesh | Bengaluru |
| Oct 29 | Semi-Final 1 | Guwahati / Colombo* |
| Oct 30 | Semi-Final 2 | Bengaluru |
| Nov 2 | Final | Bengaluru / Colombo* |
*Venue for semi-final 1 and the final depends on Pakistan’s progression in the tournament.
India Hosting Women’s ODI World Cup After 12 Years
India is hosting the ICC Women’s ODI World Cup for the first time since 2013, bringing back the spotlight to women’s cricket in the country. The 2025 edition promises to showcase the growing talent and competitive spirit among women cricketers worldwide.
The round-robin format guarantees each team ample opportunity to display their skills across multiple venues, with the top four teams earning spots in the semi-finals. This format ensures that fans get to witness intense and balanced competition throughout the tournament.
What to Expect from the ICC Women’s ODI World Cup 2025?
Cricket fans worldwide are eagerly awaiting the tournament, which will bring together the best women’s teams from around the globe. With India hosting and key matches in Colombo, the event is poised to boost the popularity of women’s cricket in the region.
The high-profile India vs Pakistan fixture remains one of the most anticipated matches in the tournament, with fans keen to see how both sides perform under the unique conditions. Additionally, matches between top teams like Australia, England, and New Zealand promise thrilling contests.
The tournament will also serve as a platform for emerging talents to shine and establish themselves on the international stage.
Final Thoughts
The ICC Women’s ODI World Cup 2025 draft schedule release has set the stage for one of the most exciting women’s cricket tournaments in recent memory. India’s role as host combined with the hybrid hosting model featuring Colombo ensures a seamless and competitive event.
The India vs Pakistan fixture on October 5 in Colombo is a marquee event, symbolizing cricket’s power to transcend politics. Fans can look forward to nearly five weeks of captivating cricket action, culminating in a final that will crown the world’s best women’s ODI team.
Frequently asked Questions (FAQ’S)
1. When will the Women’s ODI World Cup 2025 begin and end?
It will start on September 30 and conclude on November 2, 2025.
2. How many teams are participating in the 2025
Women’s ODI World Cup?Eight teams will compete in a round-robin format.
3. Why is Colombo included as a host city?
Colombo will host Pakistan’s matches due to the hybrid model amid India-Pakistan diplomatic tensions.