A major change has been announced for the ICC Women’s World Cup 2025, with the DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai replacing Bengaluru’s M Chinnaswamy Stadium as a host venue. This decision came after the Karnataka State Association was unable to secure the necessary government clearance to host matches, as confirmed by the ICC on Friday, August 22. Bengaluru’s role as a venue had been in doubt since early August. The situation was further complicated by the tragic stampede during celebrations of RCB’s IPL title win, sparking serious concerns regarding crowd control and safety measures. With the required clearance not granted, the ICC acted promptly to finalize Navi Mumbai as the replacement. The DY Patil Stadium is slated to host three league games, a semi-final, and possibly the final, with the ultimate match venue depending on Pakistan’s qualification; if Pakistan qualifies, the final will take place at Colombo’s R Premadasa Stadium. The competition will run from September 30 to November 2, featuring league play, followed by two semi-finals and the final. The top four teams from the league stage will compete in the knockout phase. The DY Patil Stadium is considered a suitable choice, known for its state-of-the-art facilities and history of hosting significant cricket events, aiming to provide excellent conditions for both players and fans, while keeping India at the forefront of the tournament.
