Indore and Raipur to host women's cricket world cup matches

BHOPAL: Indore and Raipur are set to host matches of the Women's Cricket World Cup in October. Both cities' cricket associations are awaiting the match schedule announcements, which will follow the World Cup qualifiers in April. The 50-over Women's World Cup is set to be hosted in India from September 29 and October 26.
The final match distribution and participating teams for both venues remain undecided until the schedule is confirmed, according to sources.
Madhya Pradesh Cricket Association (MPCA) CEO Rohit Pandit awaits official confirmation from BCCI. "I got to know about it recently. However, there is no official correspondence from BCCI," said Pandit. He added, "Indore was shortlisted for the World Cup, but there is no official information that Indore is finalised."
Since 2018, Madhya Pradesh has not hosted IPL matches, with its most recent T20 international played in January 2024. The Holkar Stadium has hosted nine international fixtures and an equal number of IPL matches.
Indore's Nehru Stadium previously hosted two women's matches, including one during the 1997 World Cup. Women's international cricket is yet to be played at Holkar Stadium.
The Holkar Stadium in Indore, despite its established history in men's cricket, will be hosting women's international matches for the first time.
Raipur's Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh International Cricket Stadium, a relatively recent addition to international cricket venues, features contemporary facilities. Local cricket officials are working with authorities to arrange accommodation and transport for teams and officials.
Both cities anticipate substantial economic benefits from the tournament. The hospitality sector and local enterprises are making arrangements for the expected visitor surge.
The competition structure includes eight teams playing 31 matches, offering numerous opportunities for spectators to experience international women's cricket. Both venues are likely to host several matches, pending confirmation after April qualifiers.
India's previous hosting of the Women's World Cup was in 2013, where the hosts were eliminated in the group stage. The nation also organised the Women's T20 World Cup in 2016. The 2025 tournament will maintain the 2022 format, featuring eight teams across 31 matches. The Indian squad continues their quest for their first trophy, achieving their best result as runners-up to England in 2017.