Women's Cricket World Cup 2025: Complete Guide and Live Coverage

Introduction to the 2025 women's cricket world cup

The 2025 Women's Cricket World Cup promises to be a landmark event in the sport's history. Taking place across India and Sri Lanka from September 30 to November 2, this 13th edition of the tournament is set to showcase the best talent in women's cricket, with every match broadcast live on Sky Sports. From historic firsts to substantial prize money increases, here is everything you need to know ahead of the competition.

Tournament format and schedule

The World Cup will feature eight teams competing in a round-robin group stage, where each side plays the others once. The top four teams will then advance to the semi-finals, with the first-placed team facing the fourth, and second meeting third. The winners of these clashes will battle for the championship on Sunday, November 2.

England will open their campaign against South Africa on October 3 at Guwahati, one of the five venues spread across the two host nations. The group stage and knockout matches will be held in four Indian cities—Guwahati, Navi Mumbai, Visakhapatnam, and Indore—and Colombo in Sri Lanka.

Venues and political considerations

While the majority of matches take place in India, political tensions between India and Pakistan have influenced venue decisions. Pakistan's matches will be hosted outside India, and if they reach the semi-finals or final, those games will be played in Colombo instead of Indian venues. This ensures the tournament runs smoothly and maintains a spirit of sportsmanship.

Key venues to watch

• Guwahati: Opening match location and early fixtures
• Navi Mumbai: Potential final venue if Pakistan does not make the final
• Colombo: Crucial for Pakistan’s semi-final and possible final games

Teams competing in the 2025 World Cup

The eight teams comprise a blend of cricketing powerhouses and emerging nations. India qualifies automatically as co-hosts, alongside established competitors Australia, England, New Zealand, South Africa, and Sri Lanka, who secured their places via the ICC Women's Championship. Pakistan and Bangladesh earned their spots through qualifying tournaments.

This tournament offers a balanced contest between experienced sides and ambitious challengers. It also marks a significant moment for India, who aim to clinch their first-ever Women's World Cup title on home soil.

Prize money and financial growth in women's cricket

The financial stakes for the champions have never been higher. The winning team will receive £3.3 million, surpassing the £2.96 million awarded to Australia for winning the men's World Cup in 2023. This amount is a substantial increase from the £2.32 million champions earned in the 2022 Women's World Cup.

Overall, the prize fund has surged to £10.26 million, quadrupling the £2.59 million pool from the previous edition. This growth highlights the increasing recognition and investment in women's cricket worldwide, fostering greater opportunities and professionalism within the sport.

An all-female panel of match officials

For the first time in Women's Cricket World Cup history, the match officials will be exclusively female. The panel includes 14 umpires and four match referees, with England’s Sue Redfern among the notable officials. This milestone reflects the progress towards gender equality in cricket officiating and adds a unique dynamic to the tournament.

Historical context and previous winners

The Women's Cricket World Cup has a rich history dating back to 1973, with England winning the inaugural tournament. Australia has been dominant, securing seven titles, including the most recent in 2022. England and New Zealand have also been successful, with multiple championships between them.

Here is a quick rundown of champions:

• 1973: England
• 1978, 1982, 1988, 1997, 2005, 2013, 2022: Australia
• 1993, 2009, 2017: England
• 2000: New Zealand

Australia's consistent success has shaped women's cricket globally, influencing competitions like The Hundred, as discussed in our article on what Australia's dominance means for women's cricket in The Hundred. These historical insights provide perspective on the evolving competitive landscape.

How to watch and follow the World Cup

Every match of the Women's Cricket World Cup 2025 will be broadcast live on Sky Sports, offering comprehensive coverage including expert analysis and player interviews. Fans can also stream games without a contract via NOW, making it easier to keep up with the tournament from anywhere.

For cricket enthusiasts seeking in-depth fixtures and squad details, resources like our coverage of Rothesay County Championship standings and analysis provide additional context to the ongoing cricket season.

Conclusion: What to expect from the 2025 Women's Cricket World Cup

The 2025 edition is set to be a defining moment for women's cricket. With record prize money, historic all-female officiating, and high-quality competition across iconic venues, fans are in for an unforgettable tournament. Whether you support England, India, or any other nation, the World Cup offers thrilling cricket action and stories of sporting excellence.

Stay tuned to Sports Scoop for expert coverage, updates, and insights throughout the World Cup journey.