India set to welcome women’s cricket back to the global stage
The ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup will return to India later this year for the first time in over a decade, and ICC chairman Jay Shah believes the milestone will mark a turning point for the women’s game. Speaking at an ICC event in Mumbai to mark “50 days to go” until the tournament, Shah called the occasion a “defining moment” for women’s cricket.
What a fantastic celebration of women's cricket today, marking 50 days to go until the @cricketworldcup. This promises to be the biggest women's cricket event ever and it all begins on September 30. #CWC25 pic.twitter.com/B9r4OxooIx
— Jay Shah (@JayShah) August 11, 2025
“The return of the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025 to India comes at a defining moment for the women’s game, setting the stage for a truly world-class tournament that will further elevate the sport’s global stature.
“At the ICC, we remain open to new ideas and are constantly exploring ways to sustain the upward momentum of women’s cricket. Conversations like today’s panel discussion are invaluable in shaping our collective vision and driving progress.”
Star power kicks off the build-up
The launch event brought together past and present icons of Indian cricket, including Mithali Raj, Yuvraj Singh, Harmanpreet Kaur, Smriti Mandhana, and Jemimah Rodrigues. It also featured panel discussions with former and current players, alongside ICC CEO Sanjog Gupta.
The 50-over tournament will be the first senior ICC women’s event hosted in the subcontinent since 2016, when India staged the Women’s T20 World Cup. India has previously hosted the Women’s Cricket World Cup in 1978, 1997, and 2013.
Trophy Tour and legacy programme unveiled
The event also marked the launch of the ICC Trophy Tour, which will begin in Mumbai and travel through all host cities, including Delhi. As part of a wider school legacy programme, the tour will visit local schools, giving selected students the opportunity to attend matches.
“With just 50 days to go until the start of the tournament, preparations are well underway, and excitement is building. I extend my best wishes to all participating teams as they gear up for the challenge. I am confident they will have an unforgettable experience in India and Sri Lanka,” Shah said.
The road to Bengaluru
The 2025 ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup will run from September 30 to November 2, with India facing Sri Lanka in the opening match at Bengaluru’s M. Chinnaswamy Stadium. Matches will be spread across multiple venues, showcasing the sport’s growing footprint in both India and Sri Lanka.
Organisers are hopeful the blend of cricket’s biggest names, a new generation of talent, and grassroots engagement through the Trophy Tour will help ensure the event delivers on Shah’s vision of making this edition a genuine landmark in women’s cricket history.
