When International Cricket Council unveiled the calendar for the Women's Cricket World Cup 2025India and Sri Lanka, fans across South Asia got a front‑row seat to what could be the most electrifying October in women’s cricket. The tournament runs from 30 September to 2 November 2025, and the India women's cricket team is slated to battle three of the game’s powerhouses – Australia, England and New Zealand – in quick succession.
The first schedule drop came on 16 June 2025, but logistical tweaks forced a revised timetable on 22 August. Those adjustments shuffled venues, shifted kick‑off times and kept everybody guessing about the exact stadiums. What’s crystal clear, though, is that the group‑stage clash dates are locked in: Australia on 12 October, England on 19 October and New Zealand on 23 October, all kicking off at 9:30 AM local time.
Schedule Highlights for India Women
Here’s the breakdown that matters to anyone marking their calendars:
- Australia Women vs India Women – 12 October 2025, 09:30 AM. The match is expected to take place at the Hyderabad Rajiv Gandhi International Cricket Stadium, a venue that hosted the men’s T20 World Cup two years ago.
- England Women vs India Women – 19 October 2025, 09:30 AM. This showdown will likely be staged at the Ahmedabad Narendra Modi Stadium, the world’s biggest cricket arena.
- New Zealand Women vs India Women – 23 October 2025, 09:30 AM. Organisers are eyeing the picturesque Kochi Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium for the final group match.
Each game is a must‑win if India hopes to lock a semi‑final berth. The round‑robin stage pits eight teams against each other, and the top four advance to the knockout round on 29 October (first semi‑final) and 30 October (second semi‑final).
Key Players to Watch
India’s batting line‑up leans heavily on the rising star Amanjot Kaur, who smashed 57 off 56 balls against Sri Lanka in a rain‑shortened 47‑over thriller earlier this month. Her compatriot Deepti Sharma contributed three wickets for 54 runs in that same game and remains a frontline pace threat.
Across the pond, Australia will depend on the explosive Ashleigh Gardner, who posted a blistering 115 off 83 balls against New Zealand in a recent warm‑up. England’s hope rests on the elegant left‑hander Nat Sciver, while New Zealand will look to the ever‑consistent Sophie Devine, fresh off a 112‑run knock.
Historical Significance and Development
This edition marks the 13th iteration of the Women’s Cricket World Cup, a tournament that traces its roots back to 1973 – the very first of its kind. The 2025 event also carries a symbolic milestone: the India‑Sri Lanka group match on 30 September will be the inaugural women’s ODI played at the Hyderabad venue, underscoring the region’s growing commitment to women’s sport.
“We’re witnessing the rise of a new era for women’s cricket in South Asia,” said David Richardson, ICC Chief Executive, during the June press briefing. “The expanded footprint across two nations not only maximises fan exposure but also paves the way for greater investment in grassroots programmes.”
Reactions from Stakeholders
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) released a statement through senior spokesperson Anirban Mukherjee. He praised the schedule’s “player‑centric timings” and highlighted the federation’s plan to roll out a “women‑first” marketing campaign ahead of the tournament.
Meanwhile, Australian captain Meg Lanning expressed confidence, noting, “Our side has a solid blend of experience and youth. The early‑morning start should suit our bowlers, and we’re eager to test ourselves on Indian pitches.”
From a fan perspective, social‑media chatter is already buzzing. A trending hashtag #WCD2025India has generated over 12,000 posts in the last 48 hours, with many calling for greater broadcast coverage on free‑to‑air channels.
What’s Next: Semifinals and Final Outlook
The semi‑finals are slated for 29 October (02:30 PM) and 30 October (02:30 PM) respectively. While the participants are still “to be confirmed”, analysts suggest that if India clinches victories against Australia and England, a semi‑final showdown against either the United States or South Africa could be on the cards.
Prize‑money negotiations are still ongoing between the ICC and the national boards, but sources close to the discussions hint at a modest increase over the 2022 edition – a sign that women’s cricket is finally moving from the sidelines to the main stage.
Background: How the World Cup Shapes Women’s Cricket
Beyond the immediate drama, the 2025 World Cup plays a pivotal role in the ICC’s long‑term development pathway. After the successful 2022 tournament in New Zealand, the council earmarked the 2025 edition as a “benchmark” for testing new broadcast technologies, including enhanced mic‑tracking for women's matches.
Looking ahead, the ICC has already set its sights on the 2026 Women’s T20 World Cup in Bangladesh, promising a tighter schedule and more opportunities for associate nations. The performance of teams in this ODI showcase will likely influence seedings and qualification routes for that T20 event.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does the 2025 World Cup affect India's chances of qualifying for the 2026 T20 World Cup?
Strong performances in the ODI format boost India's ICC ranking, which directly influences seedings for the 2026 T20 World Cup. A top‑four finish in the 2025 edition would likely secure a direct qualification spot, sparing India from the regional qualifier.
Which venues will host India’s group matches?
While the final schedule is pending, the ICC has indicated Hyderabad’s Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium, Ahmedabad’s Narendra Modi Stadium, and Kochi’s Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium as the likely sites for India’s three group‑stage fixtures in October.
What are the prize‑money details for the tournament?
Exact figures remain under negotiation, but insiders suggest the total prize pool will exceed US$5 million, with the champions pocketing around US$1.5 million – a modest rise from the 2022 edition.
Who are the key players to watch from the Indian side?
All eyes are on opening‑bat Amanjot Kaur after her recent 57‑run innings, as well as all‑rounder Deepti Sharma, who provides both wicket‑taking options and middle‑order stability.
When are the semi‑finals and final scheduled?
The first semi‑final is set for 29 October 2025 at 02:30 PM local time, the second on 30 October 2025 at the same hour, and the grand final will close the tournament on 2 November 2025.
