Following the stampede that claimed eleven lives during RCB’s IPL title celebrations on June 4, the iconic M Chinnaswamy Stadium was removed from the list of fixtures for the ICC Women’s 50-over World Cup, an event that begins on September 30. Instead, the DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai has been added as one of five venues to host the eight-nation tournament.
The Indian Express had reported that the fate of M Chinnaswamy Stadium as a hosting venue for the ODI World Cup matches in September-November hung in the balance with Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA) yet to get permission from local authorities to host the matches at the venue, where 11 people lost their lives in a stampede during RCB’s victory celebrations.
Now, Guwahati would host the inaugural game between India and Sri Lanka, one of the co-hosts, as opposed to Bengaluru. The other games the city was scheduled to host were between England and South Africa (October 3), India vs Bangladesh (October 26) and the second semifinal (October 30). These matches would now take place in Guwahati and Navi Mumbai respectively. Navi Mumbai could end up hosting the final if Pakistan doesn’t qualify. If they do, the venue would be Colombo.
The updated match schedule for #CWC25 is out now 🏆
All the action starts on 30 September! 🗓️
✍️: https://t.co/jBoQOHox5V pic.twitter.com/RcErcJR6yU
— ICC (@ICC) August 22, 2025
Navi Mumbai was the biggest contender after MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai was ruled out due outfield renovation. Hyderabad was out of the equation due to the administrative mess. Thiruvananthapuram, meanwhile, had begun conducting the Kerala Super League cricket tournament.
In an ICC release on Friday, chairman Jay Shah explained the reason Navi Mumbai entered the fixtures. “Navi Mumbai has emerged as a genuine home for women’s cricket in recent years,” he said. “The support it has received during international fixtures and the Women’s Premier League has been remarkable, creating an atmosphere that elevates the players and inspires fans. I am certain that the same energy will define the big matches of the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup as it returns to India after 12 years,” he added.
Why was Chinnaswamy replaced as a venue
The development came after Justice John Michael Cunha, who headed the probe commission set up by the state government to investigate the stampede that occurred on June 4, ‘strongly’ recommended that ‘stadium authorities should consider relocating events that are expected to attract large crowds to venues that are better suited for such large gatherings’ in his report.
The probe panel has also mentioned that the Chinnaswamy stadium built in 1974 and sits in the heart of Bengaluru is unsafe for mass gatherings. “The design and structure of the stadium was unsuitable and unsafe for mass gathering,” the report stated.
The Indian cricket board then gave a timeframe to Karnataka State Cricket Association to get the civic clearances, but they couldn’t. Subsequently, other alternatives were sought.
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Shah, though, pointed out that the minor hiccup would not affect the World Cup. “While unforeseen circumstances required us to adjust the schedule and replace a venue, we are pleased to now have a line-up of five world-class venues that will showcase the very best of the women’s game. The stage is set, and I am confident this tournament will capture imaginations and inspire a new generation of fans.”
The success of the tournament, he said, is vital to the growth of women’s cricket.
On the sidelines, mudslinging on the stampede rages on in the state. Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Friday blamed the police for failing to prevent the tragedy. “Despite posts by the RCB handle asking fans to gather at the stadium, what action did police officials take? They did not try to get the posts down,” Siddaramaiah said. “Did (UP Chief Minister) Yogi Adityanath resign after the stampede at Kumbh Mela?” he asked.
