ICC announces revised Women’s ODI World Cup 2025 schedule; Bengaluru’s M. Chinnaswamy Stadium loses hosting rights

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In a surprising turn of events, the International Cricket Council (ICC) has announced a last-minute change to the venues for the Women’s ODI World Cup 2025 as they announced a replacement for Bengaluru’s M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, a decision that has been confirmed by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and is effective immediately.

This unexpected switch, which comes just a month before the tournament is set to begin, has been attributed to a combination of unfortunate incidents and an inability to secure the necessary safety approvals. The change ensures the tournament proceeds with five high-quality venues, promising a world-class experience for players and fans alike.

The decision to drop the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium was a direct result of unforeseen circumstances, as stated by the ICC. While the ICC did not explicitly detail the reasons, reports confirm that the change was necessitated by the Karnataka State Cricket Association’s (KSCA) inability to get the required approvals to host the games. This issue stems from a tragic stampede that occurred at the venue earlier this year during the IPL victory celebrations for Royal Challengers Bengaluru.

Following the incident, an inquiry was conducted, which deemed the stadium unsuitable and unsafe for large-scale events due to its design and lack of proper safety features like adequate entry and exit gates and emergency evacuation plans. The Karnataka government’s subsequent withdrawal of hosting permissions for major events left the organizers with no choice but to find a replacement venue.

The selection of the DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai as the replacement venue was a logical and strategic move, as it has established itself as a premier destination for women’s cricket. The venue has a proven track record of hosting major women’s matches, including fixtures from the Women’s Premier League (WPL) and international bilateral series.

ICC Chairman Jay Shah praised the stadium, noting that it has emerged as a genuine home for women’s cricket in recent years. The stadium is well-equipped and has consistently attracted large, supportive crowds, which provides an ideal atmosphere for the World Cup.

The move also makes logistical sense, as it keeps the tournament within a concentrated geographical area and maintains the high standards expected for an event of this magnitude. The DY Patil Stadium will host up to five key matches, including three league games, a semi-final, and potentially the final, solidifying its importance in the tournament’s revised schedule.

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“Navi Mumbai has emerged as a genuine home for women’s cricket in recent years. The support it has received during international fixtures and the Women’s Premier League has been remarkable, creating an atmosphere that elevates the players and inspires fans. I am certain that the same energy will define the big matches of the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup as it returns to India after 12 years,” Shah was quoted as saying by the ICC.

“We stand at a pivotal moment in the journey of the women’s game. This World Cup has the potential to be remembered as one of those defining milestones that shaped the sport’s future, not only in India but across the cricketing world. While unforeseen circumstances required us to adjust the schedule and replace a venue, we are pleased to now have a line-up of five world-class venues that will showcase the very best of the women’s game. The stage is set, and I am confident this tournament will capture imaginations and inspire a new generation of fans,” Shah concluded.

Also READ: Why Shafali Verma misses out on India’s Women’s ODI World Cup 2025 squad? Chief selector explains

This article was first published at WomenCricket.com, a Cricket Times company.