Reports have emerged that Thiruvananthapuram may host women’s ODI World Cup matches initially scheduled for Bengaluru’s M. Chinnaswamy Stadium.

The possible shift, yet to receive official confirmation, follows the tragedy during Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s IPL title celebrations on June 4, which resulted in 11 deaths and over 50 injuries. The Karnataka government has withheld permission for hosting games at the stadium due to serious safety concerns.

Sources familiar with the development told IANS, “Yes, it has come to light that due to no permissions coming on time for hosting World Cup games in Bengaluru, it will now be moving to Thiruvananthapuram, which is also an ideal venue due to weather conditions and its proximity to Colombo. The ICC will be officially announcing it soon.”

Safety concerns and commission findings

The Justice John Michael D'Cunha Commission found the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium “ill-equipped” to safely hold large events, describing its design and structure as “unsuitable and unsafe” for mass gatherings. The committee warned that high-attendance events there posed “unacceptable risks to public safety, urban mobility, and emergency preparedness.”

Following these findings, the Karnataka State Cricket Association shifted Maharaja T20 Trophy matches to Wadeyar Ground in Mysuru and Maharani T20 competition games to Alur.

Which matches could move to Thiruvananthapuram?

If the relocation proceeds, the Greenfield International Stadium in Kariavattom, Thiruvananthapuram, will stage the tournament opener on September 30 between India and Sri Lanka. It may also host the October 3 England-South Africa clash, the October 26 India-Bangladesh game, and the October 30 second semi-final.

Greenfield stadium’s profile

Though the stadium has not yet hosted women’s international matches, it has been the venue for four men’s T20 Internationals, two ODIs, youth Tests and ODIs, and was a site for the 2023 men’s ODI World Cup warm-ups before rain caused abandonment of games.

Who will compete in the tournament?

Eight teams—India, England, New Zealand, South Africa, Sri Lanka, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Australia—will compete in the women’s ODI World Cup. Pakistan’s matches are scheduled to be held in Sri Lanka.

Other tournament venues

Alongside Thiruvananthapuram, Visakhapatnam, Indore, Guwahati, and Colombo will host matches in the round-robin format.

Significance of the event

The 2025 women’s ODI World Cup will be the first global women’s cricket event in the subcontinent since India hosted the 2016 ICC women’s T20 World Cup. India previously hosted the women’s ODI World Cup in 1978, 1997, and 2013.