“This World Cup is more than just cricket — it’s about proving the power and potential of women in sport.”
The ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025 begins today, marking the start of a month-long festival of cricket. The tournament will run from 30 September to 2 November, with matches hosted across India and Sri Lanka.
A total of eight teams will compete: India, Australia, England, New Zealand, South Africa, Sri Lanka, Pakistan, and Bangladesh. Each side will play against every other team in the group stage, with the top four qualifying for the semi-finals.
The opening match sees hosts India take on Sri Lanka in Guwahati, while other early highlights include Australia vs New Zealand in Indore. Due to political reasons, Pakistan’s matches will be played in Colombo.
Venues include Guwahati, Indore, Visakhapatnam, Navi Mumbai, and Colombo, with the final set for November 2.
This edition also sets a new record for prize money, with a total pool of USD 13.88 million. The champions will receive USD 4.48 million, the largest ever for a women’s cricket event.
Fans can expect thrilling battles as defending champions Australia face tough competition from rivals like India, England, and South Africa. Sri Lanka’s captain Chamari Athapaththu has also expressed confidence in her team’s chances on home soil.