A big storm is brewing before the Women’s ODI World Cup 2025. Bengaluru’s matches are in doubt, including the India vs Sri Lanka opener. The issue? The Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA) is still waiting for government permission. Without it, the matches may be moved out of the city.
The Chinnaswamy Stadium was set to host four important games. This includes the opening match on September 30 and a semifinal on October 30. But a tragic stampede during the IPL celebrations in June has put everything on hold.
The BCCI and ICC are worried. Fans are confused. Organizers are anxious. This could change the entire World Cup schedule.
In this article, we explain what’s going on. We’ll cover which matches are affected, why the delay happened, and what could happen next. Keep reading if you love women’s cricket and want the latest tournament updates.
Why Bengaluru’s Women’s World Cup Matches Are Now Uncertain?
Bengaluru was picked as a major venue for the 2025 Women’s ODI World Cup. It was to host four big matches. This included the opener between India and Sri Lanka on September 30. A semifinal was also scheduled for October 30.
But now, the city’s matches may be cancelled. The Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA) has not received state permission. Without it, the matches cannot be held at the Chinnaswamy Stadium.
The reason for this delay is tragic. In June, a stampede killed 11 fans during Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s IPL victory parade. This incident raised big safety concerns. The matter went to court. The state government is now extra cautious.
Because of this, the KSCA moved the Maharaja Cup to Mysuru. They’re hoping the state will approve the World Cup games next.
The BCCI and ICC are both deeply concerned. A delay in clearance could lead to a last-minute venue change. This would disrupt travel, logistics, and ticketing. The opener, India vs Sri Lanka, could move out of Bengaluru.
Three more matches are also at risk. These include India vs Bangladesh (October 26), England vs South Africa (October 3), and the second semifinal (October 30).
Other stadiums like Indore, Visakhapatnam, Guwahati, and Colombo are ready. They could be backup venues if Bengaluru is dropped.
This issue is major. The ICC and BCCI will have to decide fast. Fans who already bought tickets are still waiting for clear answers. Even India’s previous high-octane matches like the India vs New Zealand Final saw full stadiums. But now, matches in Bengaluru face serious trouble.
What KSCA and State Officials Are Saying?
A KSCA official confirmed that they are waiting for a reply. “We’ve written to the state. We’re going step by step.”
He clarified the government has not rejected the request. They simply haven’t responded. This delay is causing confusion among players and fans. Mysuru allowed the Maharaja Cup. So there’s hope that Bengaluru may still get clearance.
However, unless the situation clears soon, matches may move. A match like India vs England could be shifted last minute if concerns grow.
How Bengaluru’s Loss Could Affect India’s Tournament Start?
India’s opener is the most anticipated game of the tournament. They are set to face Sri Lanka on September 30. This match was to be held at Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru. Now, it may not happen there at all.
This opener was not just a game. It was also a grand kickoff. A packed crowd, a loud home base, and lots of expectations were lined up.
If Bengaluru loses hosting rights, India may have to adjust last minute. That could affect the team’s preparation, mood, and crowd support. If the opener shifts, cities like Visakhapatnam or Indore could host it. But those places won’t match the buzz of Chinnaswamy.
This situation may remind fans of sudden changes in past matches. The India vs Zimbabwe game was also relocated once due to political issues.
Changing venues also means pitch conditions change. That impacts team strategy and player form. India may lose the home-ground advantage in a key match.
Fans in Bengaluru have already bought tickets. Refunds and rebookings will create chaos. Security and media setups must be moved too.
This is not just about one city. It’s about the confidence of teams, fans, and the BCCI. The ICC must act quickly. Any late decision could affect not just India, but also the full tournament experience. This drama may even overshadow stories like Jasprit Bumrah’s Test success, which had excited fans before.
What Other Matches Are at Risk in Bengaluru?
Bengaluru is not hosting just one game. It was scheduled to host four important matches of the Women’s ODI World Cup 2025.
Besides the India vs Sri Lanka opener, three more matches are in danger now. The first one is England vs South Africa on October 3. Both teams are top contenders. Fans expected a thrilling clash in Chinnaswamy Stadium.
The second is India vs Bangladesh on October 26. A big South Asian rivalry. India won their last game as seen in India vs England but Bangladesh is rising fast.
The third and most critical is the second semifinal, on October 30. This match will decide one finalist. The stakes are massive. If Pakistan does not qualify, the final could also happen in Bengaluru on November 2.
So, in total, Bengaluru may lose up to five games, not just four. If all these games are moved, travel plans change. Broadcasters, commentators, and teams must adjust quickly.
The ICC has to prepare alternate plans. Cities like Guwahati or Visakhapatnam Stadium may get these fixtures.
Matches like Australia vs South Africa prove the importance of stable venues. Crowd support and pitch knowledge can change match results. The KSCA must act fast or risk losing a key cricket moment in the city’s history.
Why Safety and Permissions Are a Big Deal Now?
The June tragedy changed everything in Bengaluru cricket.
During an IPL celebration by Royal Challengers Bengaluru, a stampede killed 11 fans. It happened when fans rushed into an overcrowded area.
Since then, the government has taken every event seriously. Crowd control and safety are now top priorities. The Maharaja Cup was quickly moved from Bengaluru to Mysuru. That shows how serious the situation is.
Now, for the Women’s World Cup, the same strict checks apply. The KSCA is still waiting for permission. Until then, the ICC can’t confirm anything.
Permission delays can hurt morale and trust. Fans remember big safe matches like ENG vs WI or the India Women vs England Women game. They want the same feeling again.
The delay also affects sponsors and security setups. These groups need clear timelines to prepare. The state government needs to find a middle path. Safety is crucial, but so is the tournament’s success.
Authorities could look at recent secure matches like SA vs Afghanistan for best practices.BCCI and KSCA must work together. Only then can they balance safety with sporting excitement.
Conclusion
The 2025 Women’s ODI World Cup is around the corner. But the drama has already begun. Three more matches, including a semifinal, are also at risk.
All eyes are on the Karnataka state government. A quick decision could save Bengaluru’s World Cup dreams. A delay may cause a major reshuffle.
The BCCI and ICC are watching closely. This decision affects players, fans, and the entire tournament schedule. Keep following trusted cricket portals for live updates. For similar fixtures, check out the recent India Women vs England Women scorecard.
We hope the games go on as planned, with safety in mind. To revisit great games, don’t miss Mohammed Siraj’s heroics or Virat Kohli’s Test love.
