Navi Mumbai, replaces Bengaluru as a host for the ICC Women's Worldcup
In a last-minute development, the International Cricket Council (ICC) has announced that Mumbai will replace Bengaluru as a host city for the upcoming Women's ODI World Cup, which begins on September 30. Citing "unforeseen circumstances," the global governing body confirmed that the DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai will step in after Bengaluru's M Chinnaswamy Stadium was unable to secure the necessary administrative and security clearances for the marquee event.
The decision to strip Bengaluru of its hosting rights stems from the tragic stampede that occurred outside the M Chinnaswamy Stadium on June 4 during the Royal Challengers Bengaluru's IPL victory celebrations, which resulted in the death of 11 fans. Following the incident, an inquiry declared the venue's design and structure "unsuitable and unsafe for mass gathering." Despite efforts by the Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA), the required security clearances could not be obtained within the ICC's prescribed timeframe, leading to the venue change.
With the revised schedule, the DY Patil Stadium is set to host five key fixtures, including the India vs New Zealand clash on October 23, the India vs Bangladesh match on October 26, the second semi-final on October 30, and potentially the final on November 2. The tournament opener between hosts India and Sri Lanka will now take place in Guwahati on September 30. The other host cities for the eight-team tournament remain Guwahati, Indore, Visakhapatnam, and Colombo, with the latter serving as a neutral venue for the India-Pakistan encounter.
ICC Chairman Jay Shah endorsed Navi Mumbai's selection, highlighting its growing prominence in women's cricket. "Navi Mumbai has emerged as a genuine home for women’s cricket in recent years. The support it has received during international fixtures and the Women’s Premier League has been remarkable," Shah stated. He acknowledged the scheduling adjustment, adding, "While unforeseen circumstances required us to adjust the schedule and replace a venue, we are pleased to now have a line-up of five world-class venues that will showcase the very best of the women’s game."
As the Women's World Cup returns to India after a 12-year hiatus, the focus will now shift to the new set of venues. The tournament, featuring 31 matches from September 30 to November 2, will see Australia, England, South Africa, New Zealand, Bangladesh, and Pakistan compete alongside co-hosts India and Sri Lanka. Shah expressed his confidence that the event "will capture imaginations and inspire a new generation of fans," setting the stage for a pivotal moment in the growth of women's cricket.
