ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup – schedule, format, how to follow

Estimated reading time: 5–6 minutes

  • The tournament begins on September 30th, featuring eight teams.
  • Australia seeks its eighth title, while England aims for its fifth.
  • The tournament features a round-robin group stage, followed by knockout rounds.
  • Matches will be broadcasted live in the UK on Sky Sports and BBC Test Match Special.
  • Follow all the action through various streaming platforms.

What is the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup?

The ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup is the premier international championship of women’s One Day International (ODI) cricket. The tournament is organized by the International Cricket Council (ICC) and has been held since 1973. This edition will be contested by eight national teams in a 50-over format, hosted across venues in India and Sri Lanka. Defending champions Australia are aiming for a historic eighth title, while England seeks their fifth championship victory.

WC Qualifiers and Tournament Format Explained

Understanding the path to the World Cup and its structure is key to appreciating the competition. The journey began with wc qualifiers that determined the final lineup of teams. The tournament itself follows a straightforward yet rigorous format designed to crown a deserving champion.

  • Round-Robin Group Stage: All eight teams play each other once in a round-robin format. This ensures every team faces all opponents, providing a comprehensive test of skill and consistency.
  • Semi-Final Qualification: The top four teams from the group stage advance to the knockout semi-finals. Every match in the group stage is crucial, as points accumulated determine semi-final berths.
  • Knockout Stage: The two semi-final winners progress to the grand final, where the new world champion will be crowned on November 2nd.

For fans who want to ensure they never miss a moment of the action, you can watch all the matches live here.

Complete Tournament Schedule and Key Fixtures

The tournament kicks off on September 30th with a highly anticipated opening match between India and Sri Lanka. The group stage runs through October, culminating in the semi-finals and final in early November. While this is a cricket World Cup, fans of other sports searching for their team’s schedules, such as the uswnt schedule, usmnt schedule, or mexico national team schedule, will find the structured approach to this tournament equally compelling.

Opening Week Highlights

  • Sept 30: India vs Sri Lanka (Tournament Opener)
  • Oct 3: England vs South Africa
  • Oct 5: Australia vs New Zealand

Marquee Rivalry Match

The group stage features a blockbuster encounter between arch-rivals Australia and England on October 22nd, a match that could have significant implications for semi-final qualification.

Knockout Stage

The semi-finals are scheduled for October 29th and 30th, with the grand final set for November 2nd. The final venue will be in Colombo if Pakistan qualifies, otherwise it will be held in Navi Mumbai, India.

For context on how other global tournaments are structured, you can explore the fifa world cup 2026 schedule or club world cup schedule, though the cricket World Cup maintains its unique format and tradition.

Teams to Watch and Player Spotlight

The eight qualified teams represent the pinnacle of women’s cricket talent. Australia enters as defending champion and world number one, boasting a lineup of exceptional players. England, the 2017 champion, remains a formidable contender with a balanced squad. Host nations India and Sri Lanka will enjoy home support, while South Africa, New Zealand, West Indies, and the final qualifier complete the field.

For deeper insight into the athletes shaping this tournament, check out Alex Hartley’s Women’s World Cup players to watch, which highlights the key performers likely to influence the outcome.

Team preparations have seen significant developments, as detailed in Women’s World Cup 2025: Grace Harris out of Australia squad with injury, demonstrating how squad changes can impact team dynamics before a major tournament.

How to Follow the Action: Broadcast and Streaming

Cricket fans worldwide have multiple options to follow the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup. In the United Kingdom, all matches will be broadcast live on Sky Sports, with radio commentary available through BBC Test Match Special. For international viewers, the ICC typically partners with broadcasters in participating countries and major streaming services.

If you’re looking for comprehensive coverage that brings you every match, stream the entire tournament seamlessly here.

Historical Context and Tournament Significance

The Women’s Cricket World Cup has a rich history dating back to 1973, when it was first held in England. Australia dominates the historical record with seven titles, followed by England with four. The tournament has grown significantly in profile and competitiveness over the decades, with this edition expected to be the most closely contested yet.

The evolution of women’s sports globally is evident across disciplines. Recent successes like those chronicled in ‘Kildunne and dusted’: Red Roses dialled up to 11 for emotional World Cup victory and England outclass Canada to capture glorious Women’s Rugby World Cup triumph demonstrate the growing prominence of women’s international sports.

Similarly, the comprehensive coverage in Canada 13-33 England: Red Roses win Women’s Rugby World Cup shows how major women’s sporting events are now receiving the attention they deserve.

WC Qualifiers: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

When does the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025 start?

The tournament begins on September 30th, 2025, with the opening match between India and Sri Lanka.

What is the format of the Women’s Cricket World Cup?

Eight teams play a round-robin group stage, with each team facing all others once. The top four teams then advance to the semi-finals, followed by the final.

How can I watch the Women’s Cricket World Cup?

In the UK, matches are broadcast on Sky Sports with BBC Test Match Special radio commentary. International viewers should check local broadcasters or streaming services for availability.

Who are the defending champions?

Australia are the defending champions and are seeking their eighth World Cup title in this tournament.

Where will the final be held?

The final will be held in Colombo if Pakistan qualifies, otherwise it will take place in Navi Mumbai, India on November 2nd.

Watch TV Without Cable

Enjoy streaming sports, movies, and live events without cable. Showmira offers options to watch all matches seamlessly and never miss a moment of the action.

Conclusion: Don’t Miss the Premier Women’s Cricket Event

The ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025 promises to be a spectacular celebration of cricket excellence, building on the foundation laid by the wc qualifiers that determined the final participant lineup. With a clear schedule, competitive format, and multiple ways to follow the action, fans have everything they need to engage with this premier sporting event. Whether you’re a dedicated cricket enthusiast or a sports fan interested in following world-class athletic competition, this tournament offers compelling narratives and exceptional skill on display throughout its duration.

To ensure you have access to every match without interruption, explore our reliable streaming options here.