The ICC has announced the highly anticipated warm-up schedule for the Women’s ODI World Cup 2025, setting the stage for India to face England and New Zealand before the main tournament kicks off.
Team India’s Road to the World Cup
The Indian women’s cricket team has a challenging warm-up schedule ahead of them. Their first practice match will be against England on September 25. This game is set to take place at the BCCI’s Centre of Excellence ground in Bengaluru, offering a crucial early test.
Three days later, on September 27, India will clash with New Zealand. This fixture is scheduled for the iconic M Chinnaswamy Stadium, also in Bengaluru. This venue will become a familiar ground for the team, as it’s the same location where the main tournament officially begins on September 30.
Global Teams Prepare in Bengaluru and Colombo
A total of nine day-night warm-up matches are slated between September 25 and 28. These crucial preparatory games will be held across four venues: the M Chinnaswamy Stadium and the BCCI Centre of Excellence 1 ground in Bengaluru, along with the R Premadasa Stadium and Colombo Cricket Club in Colombo.
Eight teams are participating in these round-robin warm-ups, giving them a vital opportunity to fine-tune their strategies and squad combinations before the main event. These matches are essential for players to adapt to local conditions and get into the tournament rhythm.
Pakistan’s Unique Arrangement and Other Key Matches
Pakistan will play all their warm-up and World Cup matches in Sri Lanka. This arrangement was mutually agreed upon by the BCCI and the Pakistan Cricket Board. Their warm-up games include encounters against Sri Lanka and Sri Lanka ‘A’ in Colombo on September 25 and 28 respectively.
Defending champions Australia, who don’t play on the opening warm-up day, will begin their preparations on September 27. They are set to face their arch-rivals England at the BCCI Centre of Excellence 1 ground in Bengaluru, promising an exciting encounter.
Other notable warm-up fixtures include South Africa taking on New Zealand, and Bangladesh playing Sri Lanka ‘A’, ensuring a wide array of competitive practice for all participating nations.
The Main Event: World Cup 2025 Details
The ICC Women’s ODI World Cup 2025 marks the return of the 50-over tournament to the subcontinent after a 12-year gap. The tournament proper will run from September 30 to November 2.
It is being jointly organized by India and Sri Lanka, with matches spread across five key venues. These include the M Chinnaswamy Stadium (Bengaluru), ACA Stadium (Guwahati), Holkar Stadium (Indore), ACA-VDCA Stadium (Visakhapatnam), and R Premadasa Stadium (Colombo).
Key Takeaways from the Warm-Up Schedule:
- India will play warm-up matches against England (Sept 25) and New Zealand (Sept 27) in Bengaluru.
- Nine day-night warm-up matches are scheduled from September 25 to 28 across four venues in Bengaluru and Colombo.
- Pakistan’s warm-up and main tournament matches will exclusively take place in Sri Lanka.
- The Women’s ODI World Cup 2025 is co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka, running from September 30 to November 2.
These warm-up games are crucial for all teams as they fine-tune their strategies and prepare for what promises to be a thrilling World Cup campaign across India and Sri Lanka.
