The ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025 is set to create history in more ways than one. For the first time ever, a global ICC tournament will be staged at the DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai, a venue that has consistently drawn full houses for women’s international matches with its 45,000-seat capacity.
The ground, which memorably hosted the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup final in 2022, will now play a central role in cricket’s biggest stage for women, hosting up to five matches including three league-stage fixtures, one semi-final, and potentially the final. In August, the ICC confirmed that DY Patil Stadium had replaced Bengaluru’s M Chinnaswamy Stadium as a host venue following security concerns and a stampede incident earlier in June. The updated venue roster now spans both India and Sri Lanka:
- DY Patil Stadium, Navi Mumbai
- ACA Stadium, Guwahati
- Holkar Stadium, Indore
- ACA-VDCA Stadium, Visakhapatnam
- R. Premadasa Stadium, Colombo
The choice of Navi Mumbai marks a landmark moment for women’s cricket in India, with the stadium’s reputation for passionate crowds and world-class facilities expected to provide the perfect backdrop for the competition.
India’s Roadmap at the World Cup
The Indian women’s team will kick off their campaign on September 30, 2025, against Sri Lanka in Guwahati, before embarking on a challenging group-stage journey that features five marquee fixtures across multiple venues:
- Sept 30, 2025: India vs Sri Lanka — Guwahati
- Oct 5, 2025: India vs Pakistan — Colombo
- Oct 9, 2025: India vs South Africa — Vizag
- Oct 12, 2025: India vs Australia — Vizag
- Oct 19, 2025: India vs England — Indore
- Oct 23, 2025: India vs New Zealand — Navi Mumbai
- Oct 26, 2025: India vs Bangladesh — Navi Mumbai
This fixture list not only pits India against all major rivals Pakistan, Australia, and England among them but also ensures that DY Patil Stadium hosts two of India’s league games, against New Zealand and Bangladesh. Both contests could prove pivotal in shaping India’s semifinal push.
Spotlight on DY Patil Stadium
For Indian cricket fans, the inclusion of DY Patil Stadium adds both prestige and accessibility. Known for its modern design and electrifying atmosphere, it has become a beacon for women’s sports in the region. Its track record from the 2022 FIFA final to hosting sold-out women’s internationals reflects its ability to deliver on the global stage.
Now, with the Women’s World Cup final potentially set to be staged here (if Pakistan do not qualify), DY Patil is poised to etch its name in cricketing history.
Tournament Structure and Anticipation
Running from September 30 to November 2, 2025, the tournament will see eight nations competing in a round-robin format, with the top four advancing to the semi-finals. Semi-final 1 is scheduled for Guwahati or Colombo, while Semi-final 2 will take place in Navi Mumbai, ahead of the grand finale on November 2 in Colombo or Navi Mumbai. For India, the campaign is about more than just lifting silverware; it is about seizing momentum at home, galvanizing support for women’s cricket, and capitalizing on the unique advantage of packed crowds across Indian venues.
With star matchups against traditional heavyweights like Australia and England, and the emotionally charged clash against Pakistan in Colombo, this promises to be one of India’s most demanding yet potentially rewarding World Cup campaigns. The 2025 Women’s World Cup represents a defining moment for both the Indian women’s team and the sport itself. With DY Patil Stadium stepping up as the centerpiece, the event promises world-class cricket in front of passionate fans, setting new benchmarks for women’s cricket viewership and engagement.
As the countdown begins, all eyes will be on Harmanpreet Kaur’s side to deliver under the pressure of home expectation and to script a campaign worthy of the historic venues that will host them.
