Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025 Begins: Historic Prize Money, Tough Contenders, and Big Challenges Await

A Grand Start to the Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025

India and Sri Lanka have officially kicked off the Women's Cricket World Cup 2025, creating immense global excitement. Beginning September 30, the 13th edition promises to be unlike any other, offering record prize money, iconic venues, and fiercest competition women's cricket has ever witnessed.

India fans have even greater excitement. The tournament opener between India and Sri Lanka not only kicked off this year's event, but was also marked with a Google Doodle celebrating this significant momentous event and emphasizing just how far women's sport has come as far as global recognition goes.

Tournament Format and Venues

Eight teams will compete in a round-robin group stage, followed by semifinals and the grand final. This system ensures that every team gets a chance to prove themselves before knockout drama takes over.

The official schedule runs from September 30 to November 2, 2025, with matches spread across India and Sri Lanka.

Key Venues in India:

• Barsapara Cricket Stadium, Guwahati

• Holkar Stadium, Indore

• ACA-VDCA Stadium, Visakhapatnam

• DY Patil Stadium, Navi Mumbai (recently added, replacing Bengaluru’s Chinnaswamy Stadium)

Key Venues in Sri Lanka:

• R. Premadasa Stadium, Colombo

A unique feature of this edition is that Pakistan’s matches will all be played in Sri Lanka, a decision shaped by political sensitivities between India and Pakistan.

Teams Qualified for the Women’s Cricket World Cup

The lineup brings together the best in women’s cricket, with representation from across the globe.

Prize Money That Outshines the Men’s Tournament

One of the most talked-about aspects of the Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025 is the prize money. The International Cricket Council announced a record US$13.88 million purse for this edition, surpassing even the men’s 2023 World Cup pool.

• Winning team: US$4.48 million

• Runner-up and semifinalists will also take home significant rewards, signaling a shift toward financial equality in the sport.

This historic boost is more than just numbers; it sends a message that women’s cricket is finally being valued at the global stage.

Australia Eyes Glory, but the Field Is Wide Open

Defending champions Australia remain the team to beat, but their dominance is under question. Recent warm-up matches exposed vulnerabilities, including a defeat to England and the injury loss of all-rounder Grace Harris. Still, the likes of veteran pacer Megan Schutt have been vocal about their confidence, even firing a warning to India ahead of the big clashes.

Yet, this year may not be all about Australia.

• India, led by star batter Smriti Mandhana, will look to capitalize on home advantage.

• England, bolstered by Nat Sciver-Brunt’s all-round brilliance, are eager to reclaim the trophy.

• New Zealand’s Georgia Plimmer could be the breakout name of the tournament.

• South Africa’s Marizanne Kapp continues to be the backbone of her side, capable of turning games with bat or ball.

• Pakistan’s Sidra Amin has been in fine form and could spring surprises in Sri Lanka.

India’s Preparation: A Rocky Warm-Up

Despite high expectations, India’s preparation hit a bump. In a warm-up clash, England humbled the hosts with a 153-run victory, raising questions about whether India can handle the pressure of hosting.

But with Mandhana at the top of her game—having regained her No.1 ICC ODI batting ranking—the hosts still carry enormous potential. Playing in front of packed stadiums may either weigh them down or fuel a historic run.

Early Challenges Off the Field

Even before the first ball was bowled, the Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025 faced challenges:

• A last-minute venue change, with Navi Mumbai replacing Bengaluru.

• Concerns over ticket sales and how well the matches will draw fans.

• Security arrangements in Sri Lanka, particularly for high-voltage matches featuring Pakistan.

While these issues could dampen logistics, they also highlight the growing complexities of hosting women’s cricket on such a grand scale.

Why This Edition Could Redefine Women’s Cricket

The Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025 is more than a sporting event—it is a statement. With prize money that eclipses the men’s tournament, a truly global audience, and a new generation of stars rising alongside seasoned champions, this World Cup could mark a turning point.

The stage is set for battles that will not only crown a champion but also further establish women’s cricket as a force with commercial, cultural, and sporting power worldwide.