The International Cricket Council (ICC) has officially removed Bengaluru’s M. Chinnaswamy Stadium as a host venue for the upcoming ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup. The decision, announced on Friday, follows the tragic incident in June where 11 cricket fans lost their lives in a crush during celebrations for the IPL champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru. The stadium was subsequently deemed “unsafe” for large crowds by a judicial commission.
While the ICC’s statement attributed the move to “unforeseen circumstances,” local media reported that police permission for the Karnataka State Cricket Association to host major matches was denied. As a result, all scheduled matches, including the highly anticipated opening game and the final, have been relocated. Mumbai’s stadium has been introduced as a new host venue, joining the previously announced locations in Guwahati, Indore, Visakhapatnam, and Colombo, Sri Lanka.
The tournament schedule, running from September 30 to November 2, remains unchanged. The opening match between co-hosts India and Sri Lanka will now be played at the ACA Stadium in Guwahati. The ICC expressed strong confidence in the new arrangements, with Chairman Jay Shah praising the Navi Mumbai venue as a “genuine home for women’s cricket” that has generated remarkable support and a inspiring atmosphere during recent international fixtures and the Women’s Premier League.
The final, which was contingent on Pakistan’s progression, will now be held in either Mumbai or Colombo. This reorganization ensures the focus remains on the sport while prioritizing the safety and security of players and fans alike.
