THE DR. D.Y. PATIL STADIUM in Navi Mumbai has been confirmed as a replacement venue for the ICC Women’s ODI World Cup, after Bengaluru’s M. Chinnaswamy Stadium failed to receive approval from local authorities. The tournament will be held in India and Sri Lanka from 30 September.
According to the ICC, all fixtures originally scheduled for Bengaluru — including, provisionally, the final — will now take place in Navi Mumbai. The change follows the fallout from the 4 June stampede during Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s victory celebrations, which left the stadium unable to secure the necessary clearances.
After the Karnataka State Cricket Association officially informed the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) of its withdrawal last week, Thiruvananthapuram was briefly considered as an alternative. However, logistical complications meant it was ruled out.
The BCCI then pushed for Guwahati to be awarded high-profile matches. Negotiations resulted instead in Guwahati being awarded the opening match of the tournament (initially allocated to Bengaluru) along with a semifinal — unless Pakistan qualifies. Should Pakistan reach the last four, their fixture will be shifted to Colombo, where they are based for the competition.
Navi Mumbai will host its first World Cup match on 20 October before staging the final.
ICC chair Jay Shah said, “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, creating an atmosphere that elevates players and inspires fans. I am certain that the same energy will define the big matches of the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup as it returns to India after 12 years.”
