by 🏏 Neutral Ground Confirmed
In a recent announcement, the International Cricket Council (ICC) has confirmed that the highly anticipated India vs Pakistan match during the 2025 Women’s ODI World Cup — hosted in India — will take place at a neutral venue: R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo, Sri Lanka, on October 5, 2025, starting at 3 PM IST.
🎯 Why a Neutral Venue?
Due to ongoing political tensions and the absence of India-Pakistan bilateral cricket since 2013, the ICC, in agreement with the BCCI and PCB, adopted a “hybrid hosting” model:
- Pakistan’s entire group-stage schedule will be played in Colombo.
- Should Pakistan advance, the first semi-final and potentially the final may also be held there; otherwise, the final and second semi-final are set for Bengaluru.
This model ensures the series proceeds smoothly while guaranteeing spectator safety and political neutrality.
đź“… Tournament at a Glance
- Start Date: September 30, 2025, with India-opening vs Sri Lanka in Bengaluru.
- India–Pakistan Clash: October 5 in Colombo.
- Pakistan’s Group Matches:
– Oct 2 vs Bangladesh
– Oct 5 vs India
– Oct 8 vs Australia
– Oct 15 vs England
– Oct 18 vs New Zealand
– Oct 21 vs South Africa
– Oct 24 vs Sri Lanka
Venue for Pakistan vs India World Cup Match Officially Revealed
🤝 A Testament to Adaptability
The “hybrid model” approach, first used for the 2025 Champions Trophy and now for the Women’s ODI Cup, showcases cricket’s adaptability in navigating geopolitical complexities .
By doing so, the ICC upholds competitive integrity while respecting diplomatic sensitivities.
🌟 Anticipation Builds
The Women’s ODI World Cup will feature eight teams playing a round-robin format before heading into the knockouts. With wickets held across Bengaluru, Indore, Guwahati, Visakhapatnam, and neutral Colombo, the early wave of pandemic and political constraints couldn’t dampen the excitement. The India vs Pakistan face-off, a fixture dripping with passion and rivalry, now takes center stage on neutral soil — accentuating the occasion’s intensity.
đź“Ś Final Take
Mark your calendars:
October 5, 2025, at R. Premadasa Stadium, Colombo. Over 3 PM IST, witness a thrilling chapter in women’s cricket history as Pakistan takes on India on foreign soil in a World Cup match. The venue announcement isn’t just logistical—it’s a symbolic stride toward sporting diplomacy and global unity.
