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Uncertainty Grows Over Bengaluru Hosting Women’s ODI World Cup 2025 Matches
KSCA Awaits Government Clearance Amid Security Concerns Following Stampede Tragedy
The build-up to the highly anticipated Women’s ODI World Cup 2025 has hit a roadblock, with Bengaluru’s status as a host city hanging in the balance. The Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA) has yet to receive official permission from the Karnataka State Government to host key fixtures at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium, raising concerns within the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and the International Cricket Council (ICC).
The city has been slated to host four critical matches, including the tournament opener and one of the semifinals, but recent developments have cast doubt over whether the venue will get the go-ahead.
Tragic Stampede Triggers Review of Stadium Safety Protocols
RCB IPL Celebration Turns Deadly
The primary reason for the delay in government clearance stems from the tragic stampede incident in June 2025. The event occurred during a public celebration of Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s IPL triumph, where 11 fans lost their lives due to overcrowding and mismanagement. The fallout from that tragedy has prompted a judicial inquiry and has made the State Government more cautious about granting permissions for large-scale public gatherings.
“We’ve written to the State Government and are awaiting a response. It’s not a denial, but the process is ongoing,” a senior KSCA official confirmed. “The Maharaja Cup T20 has already been shifted to Mysuru as a precaution. We are hopeful that a decision will be made in time for the World Cup.”
➡️ Related Post: India’s Hosting Challenges Ahead of Women’s World Cup
High-Profile Matches at Risk in Bengaluru
If approval is not granted soon, four matches, including marquee fixtures, will have to be relocated:
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India vs Sri Lanka – September 30 (Tournament opener)
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England vs South Africa – October 3
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India vs Bangladesh – October 26
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Second Semifinal – October 30
All these matches are currently scheduled to be held at the Chinnaswamy Stadium, a premier venue known for its electrifying atmosphere and central location. The BCCI and ICC are actively reviewing backup plans in case the required clearance is not obtained.
Other Host Venues Confirmed for the Tournament
Despite the uncertainty in Bengaluru, other venues have already been greenlit to host matches in the eight-team Women’s World Cup:
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ACA Stadium, Guwahati
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Holkar Stadium, Indore
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ACA-VDCA Stadium, Visakhapatnam
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R Premadasa Stadium, Colombo
The tournament is scheduled from September 30 to November 2, with 31 matches to be played, including 28 league games, two semifinals, and the grand final.
Eight Teams Competing for Glory
The 2025 edition of the Women’s World Cup will feature the following teams:
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India (co-host)
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Sri Lanka (co-host)
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Australia
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England
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South Africa
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New Zealand
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Pakistan
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Bangladesh
The tournament is expected to be a milestone event in women’s cricket, with a strong focus on expanding the sport’s popularity and visibility across South Asia.
➡️ ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup – Official Site
