Chinnaswamy Stadium Faces Uncertainty for Women’s World Cup 2025 Matches
The iconic M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru is facing the possibility of being dropped as a venue for the Women’s World Cup 2025. According to a report by ESPNcricinfo, the Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA) failed to meet the August 10 deadline set by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to secure mandatory police clearance for hosting matches.
The clearance is a crucial requirement for any international cricket event in India to ensure security arrangements are in place. With the deadline missed, the BCCI may be forced to look for alternative venues.
One potential replacement under consideration is the Greenfield Stadium in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala. This ground, known for its modern facilities and lush outfield, is currently busy hosting the second season of the Kerala Cricket League from August 21 to September 7.
If Bengaluru loses out, it will be a significant setback for local fans, who were looking forward to witnessing world-class women’s cricket in the heart of Karnataka. For now, all eyes will be on whether the KSCA can still manage to secure the necessary permissions in time or if Kerala will step in as the host.
Bengaluru’s iconic M. Chinnaswamy Stadium is in danger of losing its hosting rights for the Women’s World Cup 2025 due to a delay in obtaining mandatory police clearance. The Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA) missed the August 10 deadline set by the BCCI, raising concerns over the venue’s ability to stage high-profile international matches.
As it stands, the Chinnaswamy Stadium is scheduled to host four key matches in the eight-team tournament — and potentially a fifth:
-
Opening match: India vs Sri Lanka – September 30
-
England vs South Africa – October 3
-
India vs Bangladesh – October 26
-
Second semi-final – October 30
-
Possible final on November 2, if Pakistan does not qualify
If Bengaluru is dropped, the Greenfield Stadium in Thiruvananthapuram is being considered as a backup venue. This stadium is currently hosting the Kerala Cricket League from August 21 to September 7.
India has previously hosted the Women’s Cricket World Cup three times — in 1978, 1997, and 2013. Interestingly, during the 1997 edition, the Chinnaswamy Stadium hosted only one game, while Gangotri Glades Stadium in Mysore staged a league match between Pakistan and Denmark.
The delay has also sparked broader concerns about Bengaluru’s readiness for major sporting events. The Karnataka state government’s strict stance on event permissions has already impacted tournaments — including the Maharaja T20 Trophy, which had to be shifted from Bengaluru to Mysuru, even after the KSCA agreed to hold it without spectators.
With the T20 World Cup 2026 and future IPL seasons on the horizon, such hurdles could put Bengaluru at risk of losing its reputation as one of India’s premier cricket destinations.
The state body had to move the tournament because the D’Cunha Commission, a one-man panel, said the Chinnaswamy Stadium was not safe for big events. The state government had set up this commission to look into the stampede that happened on June 4 where people died and others were hurt during the Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s IPL victory celebrations. The ICC has a rule that the host association must hand over the stadium to the ICC at least 30 days before the tournament starts. No other matches are allowed during this time.
This has also messed up the plans of several teams. Many teams wanted to set up their base in Bengaluru to use the practice facilities as well as the KSCA’s ground in Alur before the tournament.
Sources close to the situation said if the World Cup matches are moved, they have backup venues ready. But for now, they are waiting for confirmation.
