DUBAI: In a strategic move to maintain neutrality amid political sensitivities, the International Cricket Council (ICC) has unveiled the schedule and venues for the 13th edition of the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup, confirming that Pakistan will play all its matches in Sri Lanka under the newly introduced fusion formula.
This arrangement—set to apply for the next three years—ensures that India and Pakistan do not face each other on home soil during ICC events. Instead, their fixtures will be held at neutral venues. Accordingly, Pakistan’s group stage games will take place entirely in Sri Lanka.
The tournament is scheduled to run from September 30 to November 2, with matches hosted across five venues in India and Sri Lanka. These include the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium (Bengaluru), ACA Stadium (Guwahati), Holkar Stadium (Indore), ACA-VDCA Stadium (Visakhapatnam), and the R. Premadasa Stadium (Colombo).
The first semi-final is slated for October 29, either in Colombo or Guwahati, while the second semi-final will take place in Bengaluru on October 30. The final is set for November 2 in Bengaluru; however, if Pakistan reaches the final, it will be relocated to Colombo in adherence with the fusion formula.
Eight national teams will compete in this edition: India, Sri Lanka, Pakistan, Australia, England, New Zealand, South Africa, and Bangladesh. Australia will enter the tournament as reigning champions, having triumphed over England in the 2022 final. With seven titles to their name, they remain the most dominant side in the history of the Women’s World Cup.
