Women's World Cup 2025 Matches at Risk in Bengaluru Amid Safety Concerns Post-Stampede

Women's World Cup 2025 Matches at Risk in Bengaluru Amid Safety Concerns Post-Stampede

The future of M Chinnaswamy Stadium as a host venue for the upcoming ICC Women's World Cup 2025 is in serious doubt after the Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA) failed to secure police approvals by the August 10 deadline set by the BCCI. This delay follows the tragic stampede on June 4 during Royal Challengers Bengaluru's (RCB) victory celebrations, which claimed 11 lives and injured over 50 others.

As per ICC guidelines, all tournament venues must be handed over to organizers one month prior to the event, leaving the BCCI and ICC with less than a week to finalize a decision. Greenfields Stadium in Thiruvananthapuram is being considered as the primary alternative.

Scheduled Matches at Risk

Currently, Bengaluru is slated to host key Women's World Cup matches, including:

  • India vs Sri Lanka (Tournament Opener – September 30)

  • England vs South Africa (October 3)

  • India vs Bangladesh (October 26)

  • Second Semi-Final (October 30)

  • Final (November 2 – if Pakistan do not qualify)

However, due to the absence of police clearance, all these fixtures are now under review.

Greenfields Stadium Ready as Backup

The Kerala Cricket Association (KCA) is reportedly preparing to step in, even though Greenfields is set to host the Kerala Cricket League (KCL) from August 21 to September 7. The KCA has contingency plans to shift the KCL to an alternative venue if required to accommodate World Cup games and warm-up matches, which are scheduled for September 25 and 27.

KSCA’s Last-Ditch Efforts

KSCA officials are exploring the possibility of conducting matches at Chinnaswamy with reduced stadium capacity. However, it remains unclear whether the BCCI or ICC will approve such a measure, especially since the final may be played in Bengaluru if Pakistan is eliminated before the title clash.

In the interim, KSCA has relocated the ongoing Maharaja Trophy T20 tournament to Mysuru, having failed to gain approval even for hosting closed-door matches in Bengaluru.

Safety Concerns & Government Inquiry

The stampede during RCB’s victory parade has led to significant administrative fallout. Both KSCA secretary A Shankar and treasurer ES Jairam resigned following the incident. A government-appointed inquiry commission later deemed Chinnaswamy Stadium “unsafe” for large-scale events, recommending that such events be moved to more secure venues.

With the clock ticking and preparations intensifying, teams that planned pre-tournament training in Bengaluru — including at the KSCA’s Alur facility — may also have to adjust their logistical plans.

The BCCI and ICC are expected to make a final call on the venue within the week.