Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025: Teams, Schedule & India’s Chances

The wait is finally over. The 2025 ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup has begun, bringing the spotlight back on women’s cricket in India and Sri Lanka. From 30 September to 2 November, eight of the world’s best teams will battle across iconic venues for the most prestigious prize in women’s ODI cricket.

This year’s edition is historic — not only because it’s hosted in India for the first time since 2013, but also because the prize pool has jumped to $13.88 million, a 297% increase from 2022 and even more than the men’s 2023 edition. The stage is set for records to be broken, rivalries to heat up, and new stars to rise.

Overview of the ICC Women’s World Cup 2025

The tournament brings together eight teams:

• India (host)
• Australia
• England
• Pakistan
• South Africa
• New Zealand
• Sri Lanka (co-host)
• Bangladesh

Each team will play in a round-robin format, with the top four progressing to the semi-finals. The final will be held on 2 November at DY Patil Stadium, Navi Mumbai.

For India, the opener against Sri Lanka in Guwahati on 30 September was a thrilling start, but the most anticipated clash remains India vs Pakistan on 5 October in Colombo — a match that already has fans buzzing across both nations.

Venues and Hosting Nations

India and Sri Lanka are co-hosting the event, but for political and security reasons, Pakistan’s matches will be played in Colombo. This unique arrangement ensures the tournament remains smooth while still allowing all eight teams to participate.

Key venues include:

• Barsapara Stadium, Guwahati – India’s opening match.
• Holkar Stadium, Indore – Mid-group stage fixtures.
• ACA-VDCA Stadium, Visakhapatnam – Coastal clashes.
• DY Patil Stadium, Navi Mumbai – Semi-finals & Final.
• R. Premadasa Stadium, Colombo (Sri Lanka) – Pakistan’s matches.

These venues bring together India’s cultural vibrance, passionate cricket fanbases, and conditions that will test both batters and bowlers.

India’s Squad & Key Players

Led by Harmanpreet Kaur, Team India enters the tournament with high hopes of finally lifting their first Women’s ODI World Cup on home soil.

Players to Watch:

• Smriti Mandhana – India’s batting superstar, expected to lead from the front.
• Richa Ghosh – Young wicketkeeper-batter with power-hitting ability.
• Renuka Singh – Swing bowler who thrives with the new ball.
• Deepti Sharma – Reliable all-rounder for balance in middle overs.

India’s strength lies in its batting depth, but middle-order collapses remain a concern. Bowling on home pitches, however, could be the team’s big advantage.

Global Stars & Rising Players

Beyond India, the Women’s World Cup 2025 features some of the finest players in cricket:

• Australia – Always the favourites, powered by Ellyse Perry and Alyssa Healy.
• England – Heather Knight and Nat Sciver-Brunt bring experience and class.
• Sri Lanka – Chamari Athapaththu, one of the most dangerous all-rounders in world cricket.
• South Africa – Laura Wolvaardt’s batting could be tournament-defining.
• New Zealand – Amelia Kerr’s leg-spin and batting consistency make her a dual threat.

These names, along with rising talents, guarantee thrilling contests across all stages.

Predictions & Key Rivalries

While Australia enter as the clear favourites, India and England are strong contenders. South Africa may emerge as the tournament’s dark horse.

Key matches fans can’t miss:

• India vs Pakistan (Oct 5, Colombo) – Always the biggest rivalry in cricket.
• Australia vs England – A classic battle between old rivals.
• India vs Australia – A potential dress rehearsal for the final.

Predicted Semi-finalists: Australia, India, England, South Africa.

FAQs 

Q1: When are the first match and final of the Women’s World Cup 2025?
A: The opening match was on 30 September (India vs Sri Lanka in Guwahati). The final will be on 2 November at DY Patil Stadium, Navi Mumbai.

Q2: Why are Pakistan’s matches in Sri Lanka if India is the official host?
A: Due to security and diplomatic reasons, Pakistan will play all their matches in Colombo, Sri Lanka.

Q3: When is the India vs Pakistan Women’s World Cup match?
A: The high-voltage clash takes place on 5 October 2025 in Colombo.

Q4: What is the prize money for the 2025 Women’s World Cup?
A: The prize pool is $13.88 million, with the winner receiving $4.48 million — the highest ever in women’s cricket.

Q5: Who are favourites to win the tournament?
A: Australia remain favourites, followed by India (home advantage) and England. South Africa is a dark horse.

Q6: Women’s World Cup ka ticket price kya hai? (Hinglish)
A: Tickets in India range from ₹200 to ₹1200, depending on the venue and stage of the tournament.

Q7: Where to watch Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025 live in India?
A: Matches are streamed live on JioCinema/Hotstar and telecast on Star Sports Network.

Conclusion

The ICC Women’s World Cup 2025 is more than just a cricket tournament — it’s a celebration of the rise of women’s cricket globally. With record prize money, passionate fans, and India as host, expectations are sky high.

For Team India, this is a golden chance to script history and lift their maiden ODI World Cup at home. But with Australia, England, and South Africa also in the mix, the road won’t be easy.

Sources: ICC, Cricbuzz, ESPNcricinfo