The 2025 ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup has officially bowled off, lighting up the cricketing calendar with a month-long festival of world-class women’s cricket. From September 30 through November 2, the thirteenth edition of this storied tournament promises fans riveting action, unforgettable performances, and the chance to witness history in the making. Hosted primarily in India with select matches in Sri Lanka, the event unites eight of the globe’s cricketing powerhouses, each vying for the coveted trophy and their place in the sport’s annals.
The round-robin format ensures every team faces each other once, making each clash a high-stakes affair. Only the top four will advance to the semi-finals, setting the stage for a dramatic run to the final. With Australia entering as defending champions and the most decorated side in Women’s World Cup history—boasting seven previous titles—the target on their backs is as large as ever. England, with five championships, and New Zealand, with one, are also hungry for another taste of glory. Yet, with the tournament’s open format and rising standards, no team can be counted out.
The opening match set the tone as India, led by the dynamic Harmanpreet Kaur and vice-captain Smriti Mandhana, squared off against Sri Lanka at the Assam Cricket Association Stadium in Guwahati. The atmosphere was electric, with fans hopeful that India might finally clinch their maiden World Cup crown on home soil. According to the official schedule, matches are being hosted in iconic venues across India—Guwahati, Indore, Visakhapatnam, and Navi Mumbai—while Sri Lanka’s R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo adds its own unique flavor to the cricketing spectacle.
Each day brings a fresh contest, with the group stage running through October 26. The semi-finals are set for October 29 and 30, with the grand finale scheduled for November 2 at either the DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai or R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo, depending on the finalists. The match times are mostly set for 3 pm local time, with a handful of exceptions, such as the England vs. New Zealand clash on October 26 at 11 am.
Fans across the globe aren’t missing a moment, thanks to an extensive broadcast and streaming network. In the Caribbean and South America, every match airs live on ESPN and ESPN2, with streaming available via ESPN on Disney+. Indian audiences can tune in via Star Sports and the JioStar app, while viewers in the UK, Australia, New Zealand, the USA, and beyond have access through Sky Sports Cricket, Prime Video, Sky TV, Willow TV, and a host of regional platforms. As ESPN’s Caribbean press release highlighted, "ESPN will deliver exclusive coverage of the 2025 ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup across the Caribbean starting on Tuesday, September 30, 2025." The commitment to global accessibility underscores just how far women’s cricket has come.
The tournament showcases a glittering array of talent, with several marquee players expected to steal the spotlight. India’s Smriti Mandhana, already a household name and the team’s vice-captain, will be pivotal alongside captain Harmanpreet Kaur. Australia’s Alyssa Healy, renowned for her explosive batting and sharp wicketkeeping, is eager to add another chapter to her decorated career. England’s Nat Sciver-Brunt brings all-round brilliance, while Sri Lanka’s Chamari Athapaththu remains a game-changer with both bat and leadership. South Africa’s Marizanne Kapp, New Zealand’s Amelia Kerr, and Pakistan’s Sidra Ameen round out a list of stars who could easily turn the tide of any match.
The round-robin format means consistency is key. Every team will play seven matches in the group stage, facing each other once. After the dust settles, the top four teams on the points table will advance to the semi-finals. The first-placed team will meet the fourth, while the second and third seeds will contest the other semi-final. Cricket fans know all too well that a single upset can upend the standings—making every game a must-watch.
India’s campaign, in particular, has drawn significant attention. With a blend of youth and experience, the squad is determined to make the most of home advantage. As the Economic Times noted, "India begins its journey on September 30 against Sri Lanka in Guwahati, promising thrilling cricket action." The home crowd’s support could prove decisive as India navigates a tough schedule that includes high-profile matches against Australia, England, and arch-rivals Pakistan.
Australia, meanwhile, enters the tournament with the weight of expectation. Having lifted the trophy seven times, they are the benchmark in women’s cricket. Alyssa Healy’s leadership and the team’s depth make them favorites, but as history shows, nothing is guaranteed at the World Cup. England, with their five titles, are eager to reassert their dominance, while New Zealand’s Amelia Kerr and her teammates are looking to recapture the glory of their 2000 triumph.
South Africa, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka round out the field, each with their own ambitions and rising stars. South Africa’s Marizanne Kapp is a force to be reckoned with, while Sri Lanka’s Chamari Athapaththu is hoping to inspire a new generation of cricketers with her performances on home turf. Pakistan’s Sidra Ameen and Bangladesh’s emerging talents will be eager to make their mark on the global stage.
The venues themselves add to the event’s allure. From the lively crowds in Guwahati and Indore to the cricket-mad atmosphere in Colombo, each stadium brings its own unique energy. The DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai and the ACA-VDCA Cricket Stadium in Visakhapatnam will also host key fixtures, ensuring fans across the region get a taste of World Cup fever.
With 31 matches scheduled, the action is relentless. The group stage features daily contests, culminating in a Super Sunday on October 26, when England faces New Zealand in Visakhapatnam at 11 am, followed by India taking on Bangladesh in Navi Mumbai at 3 pm. The semi-final venues—Guwahati, Colombo, and Navi Mumbai—remain flexible, allowing for logistical adjustments based on the teams qualifying for the knockout rounds.
As the tournament unfolds, attention will inevitably turn to the points table and the race for the semi-finals. Will Australia’s dominance continue? Can India finally break through at home? Or will a dark horse emerge to stun the cricketing world? The only certainty is that fans are in for a treat, with every match carrying the weight of dreams, legacies, and national pride.
With exclusive, wall-to-wall coverage on ESPN, Star Sports, and a host of international broadcasters, there’s no excuse to miss a ball. The 2025 ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup is more than just a tournament—it’s a celebration of the best in women’s sport, a showcase of talent, and a testament to cricket’s growing global appeal. As the group stage gets underway, anticipation is sky-high, and the race for the semi-finals is officially on.
