When International Cricket Council announced that the ICC Women's ODI World Cup 2025India and Sri Lanka would kick off on September 30, excitement surged across the sub‑continent. The opening clash pits the India women's cricket team against the Sri Lanka women's cricket team at the ACA Stadium in Guwahati – a 02:30 local‑time start that translates to 05:30 ET for North‑American fans. With eight nations battling for the coveted trophy, the tournament promises historic moments, especially as India chases its first title on home soil.
Background: India's Fourth Time Hosting
India’s cricketing pedigree is well‑known, but this will be its fourth stint as host of the women's premier ODI event. The previous editions took place in 1978, 1997 and 2013. Back then, the infrastructure was modest; today, venues like the ACA Stadium and the newly upgraded Holkar Stadium in Indore showcase world‑class facilities. Sourav Ganguly, President of the Board of Control for Cricket in India told reporters, “Hosting the women's World Cup again underlines our commitment to grow the game for women, and we’re ready to give fans a spectacular show.”
Full Schedule and Key Venues
All matches are slated for a 02:30 local start – a time that works for European and North‑American TV audiences alike. Below is a snapshot of the opening week:
- Sept 30 – India vs Sri Lanka – ACA Stadium, Guwahati
- Oct 1 – Australia vs New Zealand – Holkar Stadium, Indore
- Oct 2 – Bangladesh vs Pakistan – R. Premadasa Stadium, Colombo
- Oct 3 – England vs South Africa – ACA Stadium, Guwahati
- Oct 5 – India vs Pakistan – R. Premadasa Stadium, Colombo (the marquee rivalry)
The round‑robin phase runs until early October, after which the top four teams advance to the semi‑finals. The final is slated for November 2 at the same Guwahati venue, ensuring a festive climax for both host nations.
Qualification Path and Team Line‑up
Eight teams earned their spots through a blend of performance and qualification tournaments. The host slots went to India and Sri Lanka, confirmed on 26 July 2022. Five slots were filled via the 2022‑2025 ICC Women’s Championship, which ran from 1 June 2022 to 24 January 2025. The top finishers – Australia, England, New Zealand, South Africa and Sri Lanka clinched their berths. The remaining two places were decided at the 2025 Women's Cricket World Cup Qualifier held in Pakistan from 9‑19 April 2025, where Bangladesh and Pakistan emerged victorious.
Anticipated Showdowns and Fan Buzz
The India‑Pakistan rivalry is always a thunder‑clap, and this edition is no different. Scheduled for Sunday, 5 October at the R. Premadasa Stadium, the match is expected to draw a capacity crowd of 35,000 plus millions watching worldwide. Cricket analyst Aakash Chopra opined, “Both sides have explosive batting line‑ups; the game could swing on a single over.”
Equally compelling is the potential showdown between Australia and England, two powerhouses that have never missed a final in the last decade. Their clash on 12 October – India vs Australia – is another highlight, pitting the host nation against the reigning champions.
Fans can already feel the buzz in local markets. Ticket sales opened on 15 July and sold out for the Guwahati opener within 48 hours. Street vendors in Kolkata and Colombo are already preparing cricket‑themed merchandise, from jerseys to flags.
Broadcast, Ticketing and What’s Next
All matches will be streamed live on the ICC’s official platform, with regional broadcast partners covering the event in over 150 territories. In the United States, ESPN+ holds the rights, while the UK will see coverage via Sky Sports. The ICC also promises a dedicated Women’s World Cup hub on its website, featuring stats, player bios and a real‑time scoreboard.
Looking ahead, the tournament’s conclusion on 2 November sets the stage for the 2026 ICC Men’s World Cup, also slated to be co‑hosted by India and Sri Lanka. Success this year could bolster the case for more high‑profile women’s cricket events in the sub‑continent, potentially accelerating grassroots investment.
Key Facts
- Start date: 30 September 2025
- Final: 2 November 2025 (Guwahati)
- Teams: India, Sri Lanka, Australia, New Zealand, Bangladesh, Pakistan, England, South Africa
- Opening venue: ACA Stadium, Guwahati
- All matches start: 02:30 local time (05:30 ET)
Frequently Asked Questions
How does the tournament format work?
The eight teams play a single round‑robin, meaning each side faces the other once. The top four points‑earners progress to the semi‑finals, with the winners meeting in the final on 2 November.
Which matches are considered must‑watch for casual fans?
The opening game (India vs Sri Lanka), the high‑octane India vs Pakistan rivalry on 5 October, and the Australia vs England clash are the marquee fixtures that draw the biggest TV audiences.
Where can fans purchase tickets?
Tickets are available via the official ICC portal and the respective stadiums’ box‑office websites. Early‑bird sales for the Guwahati opener sold out within two days, so fans are urged to act quickly for later matches.
What impact could a home victory have for Indian women's cricket?
A win would be historic – India has never lifted the Women’s ODI World Cup. Success would likely trigger increased funding, more domestic leagues, and inspire a new generation of female cricketers across the country.
How are broadcasters handling the 02:30 local start time?
Major partners like ESPN+ (US) and Sky Sports (UK) are scheduling prime‑time re‑airs and highlights packages to accommodate viewers who cannot watch live at the early hour.