Sri Lanka will host Pakistan’s group-stage matches at the upcoming Women’s Cricket World Cup due to ongoing diplomatic tensions between India and Pakistan. The tournament runs from 30 September to 2 November, with Colombo hosting all seven of Pakistan’s group matches, including high-profile clashes against India and England. Colombo may also stage a semi-final and the final, should Pakistan qualify.
The move follows the ICC’s neutral venue policy, introduced after India refused to travel to Pakistan for the recent Champions Trophy. Under the new rules, India and Pakistan will not play in each other’s countries during ICC events.
Other World Cup matches will be played in Bengaluru, Guwahati, Indore, and Visakhapatnam, with Bengaluru set to host the opening match (involving India) and the final if Pakistan do not qualify.
Australia are the defending champions, having won the last tournament in New Zealand in 2022.
The arrangement could face challenges due to Sri Lanka’s wet weather in October, and ongoing political tensions may still affect India-Pakistan fixtures.
Separately, the 2026 Women’s T20 World Cup will open at Edgbaston on 12 June, with the semi-finals at The Oval and the final at Lord’s on 5 July.
