Bengaluru Faces Uncertainty As Host For Women's ODI World Cup Amid Approval Delays

Updated: Thursday, August 7, 2025, 21:24 [IST]

With the Women's ODI World Cup approaching, Bengaluru's status as a host city is uncertain. The Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA) has yet to receive approval from the State Government to host ODIs. This delay puts four major matches, including the tournament opener and a semifinal, in jeopardy.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and the International Cricket Council (ICC) are reportedly worried about potential disruptions to the tournament schedule. The first match is set for September 30 at M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, where India will face co-hosts Sri Lanka in a significant match.

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Bengaluru's hosting of the Women's ODI World Cup is uncertain due to pending government approval related to crowd management following a tragic stampede, potentially jeopardizing matches starting September 30 at M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, while the Maharaja Cup T20 has been relocated to Mysuru.

Concerns Over Crowd Management

The delay in obtaining approval is due to concerns about crowd management after a tragic stampede on June 5. This incident resulted in 11 fatalities during Royal Challengers Bengaluru's IPL title celebration. Legal investigations are ongoing, and state authorities have not yet approved large-scale cricket events in Bengaluru.

Despite these challenges, organisers remain hopeful that Bengaluru will keep its hosting rights. However, if delays continue, the BCCI and ICC might need to consider alternative venues to avoid logistical issues.

KSCA Awaits Government Response

"We've written to the State Government and are awaiting a response. It's not as if they've denied permission. If that were the policy, they wouldn't have allowed the Maharaja Cup in Mysuru. So, we're waiting. There is some more time for this and we're going step by step," a KSCA official said as quoted by Cricbuzz.

Bengaluru is also scheduled to host three other important matches: England vs South Africa on October 3, India vs Bangladesh on October 26, and the second semifinal on October 30. The final will be held either in Bengaluru or Colombo on November 2, depending on Pakistan's qualification.