The Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru is facing an uncertain future for hosting the ICC Women’s World Cup, with a total of three matches scheduled at the venue, including one of the knockouts. However, the ICC and BCCI are facing several challenges to confirm the venue, as the Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA) has yet to obtain approval from the Karnataka State Government to host the matches.
Stampede Fallout Delays Government Clearance for Bengaluru Matches
This delay reflects the aftermath of the tragic Bengaluru stampede, which occurred on June 4 during the Royal Challengers Bengaluru's victory parade.. The incident resulted in a devastating outcome. Since then, the matter has reached the courts, and the state government has yet to grant permission to conduct matches in Bengaluru.
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Meanwhile, the Bengaluru franchise league tournament, the Maharaja T20, which was originally scheduled at the Chinnaswamy Stadium, has now been shifted to Mysuru. The KSCA is currently waiting for the nod to proceed with the Women’s World Cup 2026.
"We've written to the State Government and are awaiting a response. It's not as if they've denied permission. If that were the policy, they wouldn't have allowed the Maharaja Cup in Mysuru. So, we're waiting," a KSCA official said. "There is some more time for this and we're going step by step."
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Bengaluru Fixtures for the 2025 ICC Women’s ODI World Cup
Match | Date | Venue |
|---|---|---|
England vs South Africa | October 3 | Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru |
India vs Bangladesh | October 26 | Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru |
Second Semi-final | October 30 | Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru |
Finals | November 2 | Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru |
The ICC Women’s World Cup 2026 runs from September 30 to November 2, with eight teams competing for the coveted trophy in women’s cricket. The contenders in the fray are Australia, England, South Africa, New Zealand, Bangladesh, Pakistan, hosts India, and Sri Lanka. The tournament features a total of 31 matches, 28 league fixtures, followed by two semifinals and the final. The final will be held in Bengaluru if Pakistan does not qualify. However, if Pakistan qualifies, the final is scheduled to take place in Colombo.
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