When International Cricket Council (ICC) kicked off the Women's Cricket World Cup 2025 on September 30, 2025, the spotlight fell on Indore, Madhya Pradesh, where India Women opened the tournament against Sri Lanka Women at the historic Holkar Stadium. The match, played under a clear sky, saw Sri Lanka win the toss and elect to bowl, while India posted 168 for 1 in 17.3 overs before rain interrupted play. This opening not only marked the start of a 34‑day, 31‑match extravaganza but also gave Madhya Pradesh a rare chance to host the world’s elite women cricketers.
Tournament Overview
The ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025 is a joint venture between India and Sri Lanka, featuring eight qualified sides. India secured its place as host on July 26, 2022, while the other six spots were filled through the 2022‑2025 ICC Women’s Championship. Australia, England, New Zealand, South Africa, and Sri Lanka earned their berths by finishing in the top five of that league, and Bangladesh and Pakistan clinched the final spots at the qualifier in Pakistan (April 9‑19, 2025).
The competition follows a round‑robin format – every team faces each other once. The top four progress to the semi‑finals, culminating in a final on November 2, 2025. Defending champions Australia Women will be keen to retain the trophy they lifted in 2022.
Match Schedule at Holkar Stadium
Holkar Stadium, with a seating capacity of roughly 30,000, will host a cluster of high‑profile fixtures:
- Oct 1, 2025 – 14:30 local: Australia Women vs New Zealand Women
- Oct 4, 2025 – 14:30: Australia Women vs Sri Lanka Women
- Oct 5, 2025 – 14:30: India Women vs Pakistan Women
- Oct 9, 2025 – 14:30: India Women vs South Africa Women
Each of these games is expected to draw crowds of 20,000‑plus, especially when the Australian side—bolstered by captain Meg Lanning—takes the field.
Key Players to Watch
Beyond the team narratives, a handful of individual stars could tilt the balance:
- Smriti Mandhana (India) – the left‑handed opener who amassed 1,147 ODI runs at an average of 45.88 last year.
- Sune Luus (South Africa) – a dynamic all‑rounder renowned for her tight off‑spin and aggressive batting.
- Harmanpreet Kaur (India) – the veteran captain whose powerful middle‑order hits were pivotal in the 2022 semi‑finals.
- Alyssa Healy (Australia) – a wicket‑keeper batter with a strike rate above 130 in the 2022 tournament.
These players not only bring skill but also huge fan followings that will boost viewership across social platforms.
Reactions from Players and Officials
India’s cricket chief, Rajiv Shukla, told reporters, “Hosting matches in Indore is a game‑changer for women’s cricket in central India. The local community has embraced the tournament with open arms, and we expect lasting benefits for grassroots development.”
Australia’s captain Meg Lanning added, “The pitches here are fast and true, which suits our batting style. We’re excited to play in front of a passionate crowd and to defend our title under the Indian sun.”
Local fans echoed the sentiment. “It’s the first time we’ve seen world‑class women’s cricket live. The atmosphere at Holkar Stadium is electric,” said Anita Singh, a resident of Indore who traveled from the city’s east side to catch the opening game.
Economic and Social Impact on Madhya Pradesh
Beyond the scoreboard, the tournament promises a boost to the state’s economy. Preliminary estimates from the Madhya Pradesh Tourism Department project an influx of 120,000 visitors across all five host cities, translating to roughly $18 million in direct spending on hotels, food, and transport.
The event also aligns with the central government’s push to promote women’s sports. The state’s Sports Authority has pledged to upgrade practice facilities at Holkar Stadium, ensuring they remain usable long after the finals on November 2, 2025.
Looking Ahead: What Comes After the World Cup?
With the semi‑final line‑up set to be announced by October 22, the focus will shift to the final leg in Colombo, Sri Lanka. For India, a strong showing could translate into increased investment in the women’s domestic leagues, which have struggled for sponsorship compared with their male counterparts.
Meanwhile, broadcasters such as Star Sports and Sony LIV are eyeing record viewership numbers, especially after a 27 % rise in women's cricket streaming figures during the 2022 edition.
Key Facts
- Opening match: India Women vs Sri Lanka Women – September 30, 2025
- Venue highlight: Holkar Stadium, Indore – capacity ~30,000
- Defending champions: Australia Women
- Total matches: 31 (round‑robin) + 2 semi‑finals + final
- Final scheduled for November 2, 2025, in Colombo
Frequently Asked Questions
How does the tournament benefit local businesses in Indore?
The surge of fans—estimated at 40,000 for the Indore leg alone—means higher occupancy for hotels, packed restaurants, and more sales for vendors near Holkar Stadium. The state tourism board predicts a 12 % rise in hotel revenue during the World Cup window, and many small enterprises have already stocked up on merchandise and food supplies to meet the demand.
Which teams have already secured a semi‑final berth?
As of October 10, 2025, Australia Women lead the table with eight wins, followed closely by England Women and India Women, each with seven victories. South Africa Women sit in fourth place with six wins, putting them on the cusp of qualification.
What are the ticket prices for matches at Holkar Stadium?
General admission starts at ₹750, while premium seats near the pavilion cost up to ₹3,500. Student discounts of 20 % are available on presentation of a valid ID, and children under five enter free.
How can international fans watch the matches live?
Broadcaster Star Sports holds TV rights across the Indian subcontinent, while Sony LIV streams every game online. For viewers outside Asia, the ICC’s official streaming platform offers a subscription service with commentary in English, Hindi, and Spanish.
What legacy projects are planned after the World Cup ends?
The Madhya Pradesh government has pledged to convert the temporary women’s practice nets at Holkar Stadium into a permanent academy for female cricketers. Additionally, a scholarship fund, funded by a mix of ICC grants and private sponsors, will support promising youngsters from tier‑2 cities across the state.