Mumbai Replaces Bengaluru as Venue for ICC Women’s ODI World Cup 2025

In a major development, the International Cricket Council (ICC) on Friday confirmed that Mumbai will replace Bengaluru as one of the host cities for next month’s ICC Women’s ODI World Cup 2025. The decision was made due to “unforeseen circumstances” after Bengaluru’s M Chinnaswamy Stadium failed to secure the required administrative and security clearances.

The DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai will now host up to five fixtures, including the tournament opener, a semifinal, and potentially the final on November 2.

Reason Behind Bengaluru’s Exclusion

The change follows the tragic stampede on June 4 outside the M Chinnaswamy Stadium during Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s IPL victory celebrations, which claimed the lives of 11 fans.

Following the incident, no matches have been held at the venue. Despite instructions from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), the Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA) could not obtain the necessary security clearances within the required timeframe.

An inquiry further declared the stadium’s structure “unsuitable and unsafe for mass gatherings”, sealing its exclusion from the World Cup.

While confirming the venue switch, ICC Chairman Jay Shah said:

“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.”

Initially, the Greenfield Stadium in Thiruvananthapuram was considered as a replacement, but Navi Mumbai was finalised due to its growing reputation as a hub for women’s cricket.

Tournament Details

The ICC Women’s ODI World Cup 2025 will kick off on September 30 and conclude with the final on November 2. This edition marks the return of the tournament to India after 12 years.

The confirmed host cities are:

Navi Mumbai (DY Patil Stadium)
Guwahati
Indore
Visakhapatnam
Colombo (neutral venue for India vs Pakistan matches)

As per an agreement reached earlier this year, all India–Pakistan clashes in ICC events until 2027 will be held at neutral venues.

Navi Mumbai has become a significant base for women’s cricket, with strong fan support during international fixtures and the Women’s Premier League (WPL). Shah expressed confidence that the city’s passionate audience will deliver the right atmosphere for high-stakes World Cup games.

“Navi Mumbai has emerged as a genuine home for women’s cricket in recent years. The support it has received has been remarkable, creating an atmosphere that elevates players and inspires fans,” Shah added.

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