ICC Women's ODI World Cup 2023: Dates and Venues Announced
Exciting Announcement for Women's ODI World Cup
The International Cricket Council (ICC) has officially revealed the schedule and locations for the upcoming ICC Women’s ODI World Cup, set to take place in India and Sri Lanka.
This 13th edition of the tournament is slated to occur from September 30 to November 2, featuring five venues across the two countries for the eight participating teams. The selected venues include M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru, ACA Stadium in Guwahati, Holkar Stadium in Indore, ACA-VDCA Stadium in Visakhapatnam, and R. Premdasa Stadium in Colombo.
Marking its return to India after a 12-year hiatus, the tournament will commence with an exciting match featuring India in Bengaluru on September 30.
The first semi-final is scheduled for either Guwahati or Colombo on October 29, followed by the second semi-final in Bengaluru on October 30. The finalists will have a minimum of two days to prepare for the championship match, which will take place in either Bengaluru or Colombo on November 2.
With the knockout venues chosen, the qualification of Pakistan will play a crucial role in determining the locations for the semi-finals and final. Pakistan's women's team secured their spot in the tournament by remaining unbeaten during the ICC Women’s ODI World Cup Qualifiers held in April.
Hosting the qualifiers, Pakistan won all five matches, thus earning a place in the World Cup. Bangladesh also qualified, eliminating the chances for Ireland, Scotland, the West Indies, and Thailand to participate.
Following their qualification, PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi confirmed that Pakistan will compete at a neutral venue, adhering to the hybrid model agreement established earlier this year.
The eight teams vying for the prestigious title in the Women’s World Cup include India, Australia, England, South Africa, New Zealand, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, and Pakistan. Australia, the reigning champions after defeating England in the last Women’s World Cup final in New Zealand in 2022, will aim to defend their title. They hold the record for the most championships in tournament history, having won seven times.