India is gearing up to host the ICC Women’s World Cup 2025, which is set to begin in September. With anticipation building for this grand event, Visakhapatnam has emerged as the premier location for the opening fixture, followed by an exciting opening ceremony.
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has designated several venues to accommodate matches throughout the tournament. Apart from Visakhapatnam, Punjab’s Mullanpur, Indore, Thiruvananthapuram, and Guwahati have also been shortlisted. These decisions were made during a recent apex council meeting held by the BCCI in Kolkata on Saturday, March 22, 2025. During this meeting, the council discussed logistics and weather considerations, concluding that the tournament will span nearly three weeks and take place across five venues.
Previously, venues such as Mumbai and Vadodara had been considered for hosting matches; however, seasonal rains are prevalent in those areas until early October, which led to their exclusion. An anonymous source from the BCCI recounts, “The apex council has agreed on five venues and now it will be sent to ICC, which needs to give the final approval since it is a global event.” This highlights the importance of organizational efficiency as the ICC Women’s World Cup approaches.
Visakhapatnam is not only a Test center but also frequently hosts IPL matches, making it a fitting choice for the tournament opener. There is considerable speculation about the final match, which may take place in Indore or Guwahati, both of which are also well-suited to host such significant cricket fixtures.
The mega event will see participation from teams worldwide, with particular focus on ensuring inclusivity and fair play. Notably, the tournament will also help in showcasing women’s cricket on an international platform, reflecting its growing popularity. The cricketing ecosystem continues to evolve, with visibility and opportunity expanding for female players.
Interestingly, this Women’s World Cup stands amidst a broader landscape of international competitions, as current arrangements see coordination between various cricketing nations. Pakistan, for instance, will play all of their matches in Sri Lanka due to a hybrid hosting model agreed upon by the ICC, PCB, and BCCI for the 2025 Champions Trophy. This agreement allows Pakistan to host the Champions Trophy while matches involving India will be played at neutral locations.
Though the scheduling for the Women’s World Cup has not yet been finalized by the ICC, Pakistan’s path to participation remains uncertain. They must first secure their place by emerging victorious in the 2025 World Cup Qualifiers, set to be held in Pakistan from April 9-19, 2025. This six-team tournament will determine which two teams will qualify for the prestigious Women's World Cup. With intense competition expected, the stakes are high for all participating nations.
As teams prepare for the qualifiers and eventual World Cup, the excitement builds around women's cricket, a field that is increasingly gaining prominence globally. The BCCI’s efforts in promoting and hosting this event only underscore the commitment to uplift the women’s game.
As the world turns its attention to the upcoming ICC Women’s World Cup, all eyes will be on Visakhapatnam, where the journey begins. Cricket fandom is set to reach new heights as supporters rally behind their teams, weaving a tapestry of passion, drama, and unforgettable moments throughout the tournament.
