Bengaluru is officially off the venue list for the 2025 Women’s ODI World Cup, with Thiruvananthapuram’s Greenfield International Stadium poised to take its place. The tournament, scheduled from September 30 to November 2, will see the Kerala capital host matches that were originally allotted to the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium.

Safety concerns after the June stampede force Bengaluru out of the Women’s ODI World Cup

The change comes after the Karnataka government declined to grant permission for hosting games in Bengaluru due to safety concerns following the tragic June 4 stampede during Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s IPL victory celebrations. The incident, which claimed 11 lives and left over 50 injured, led to a government-appointed inquiry that found the Chinnaswamy Stadium “unsuitable and unsafe” for mass gatherings.

The Justice John Michael D’Cunha Commission’s report cited flaws in the stadium’s design and structure, warning that high-attendance events posed “unacceptable risks” to public safety, traffic management, and emergency preparedness. The findings have already forced the KSCA to shift the domestic Maharaja T20 Trophy and Maharani T20 matches to Mysuru and Alur, respectively.

ALSO SEE: Tom Bruce switches allegiance from New Zealand to Scotland for World Cup League 2

Bengaluru had been slated to host five matches, including the high-profile tournament opener between India and Sri Lanka on September 30, as well as one semi-final and potentially the final on November 2. England vs South Africa (October 3) and India vs Bangladesh (October 26) were among other key fixtures scheduled in the city, alongside two warm-up games.

Thiruvananthapuram joins host cities as the 2025 Women’s ODI World Cup heads to the sub-continent

With the venue change, the ICC is expected to release an updated schedule soon. Sources indicate that Thiruvananthapuram was favoured over Hyderabad due to favourable weather conditions in late September and its proximity to Colombo, another tournament venue.

While the Greenfield Stadium has yet to host women’s international cricket, it boasts experience from staging four men’s T20Is, two ODIs, youth internationals, and serving as a warm-up venue for the 2023 Men’s ODI World Cup. However, rain washed out the men’s warm-up matches in that tournament.

The 2025 Women’s ODI World Cup will be played in a round-robin format among eight teams - Australia (defending champions), Bangladesh, England, India, New Zealand, Pakistan, South Africa, and Sri Lanka, with matches spread across Visakhapatnam, Indore, Guwahati, Colombo, and now Thiruvananthapuram.

This edition will also mark the first women’s global cricket event in the sub-continent since the 2016 Women’s T20 World Cup and the first Women’s ODI World Cup in India since 2013.

Rohit Sharma could soon be back in domestic cricket, with reports suggesting the India ODI captain may turn out for Mumbai in the Vijay Hazare Trophy, scheduled to start on December 24. The development comes amid murmurs about his and Virat Kohli’s future in the 50-over format, with the 2027 ODI World Cup four years away.

The BCCI, keen to keep senior players match-ready, is reportedly considering asking both stalwarts to feature in the premier domestic List-A competition. The logic is simple: consistent game time at all levels will help assess whether the veterans still have the form and fitness to remain part of India’s long-term ODI plans.

For Rohit, this could be a significant return. The last time he played in the Vijay Hazare Trophy was in October 2018, when Mumbai won the tournament. He featured in two knockout matches that season, remaining unbeaten on 33 in the quarter-final against Bihar and scoring 17 in the semi-final against Hyderabad. He missed the final due to national duty, as India faced the West Indies in an ODI the very next day.

Kohli’s Vijay Hazare absence has been even longer; he last played for Delhi in February 2010, scoring 16 against Services. Should the selectors insist on their participation in 2025-26, it would mark a rare domestic one-day appearance for both.

ALSO SEE: From the archive: Full scorecard of Virat Kohli's last domestic List A match

Domestic Return Hinges on Form and 2027 World Cup Plans

India’s schedule complicates matters. After ODIs against Australia in October and South Africa in late November-early December, the Vijay Hazare Trophy will slot in before the New Zealand ODI series starting January 11. Realistically, if Rohit and Kohli are selected for that series, their availability for most VHT games will be minimal.

At this stage, the prospect of seeing the two legends play in the competition depends on two factors: their ODI form in the upcoming six matches before the VHT, and the selectors’ vision for the 2027 World Cup. If they fire against Australia and South Africa, the domestic outing may become unnecessary. But if it runs dry, the VHT could become their proving ground.

For now, Mumbai fans can only hope the possibility turns into reality, a chance to see Rohit Sharma don the Mumbai colours in the Vijay Hazare Trophy once again.

It's all set at the Brian Lara Stadium, the West Indies facing Pakistan in the second match of the three-ODI series on Sunday, August 10. The home team would surely love to bounce back from the narrow 2-1 T20I & 1-0 ODI defeat. Pakistan comes fresh off its T20I victories between the two teams and will look to be back-to-back winners. With the return of Babar Azam and the captain Mohammad Rizwan to add firepower to the lineup, Pakistan will view the first ODI as essential preparation for the Asia Cup.

Match Details

• Match: Pakistan vs West Indies, 2nd ODI
• Date: Sunday, August 10, 2025
• Time: 7:00 PM IST (Toss likely at 7:00 PM IST, match start around 7:30 PM IST)
• Venue: Brian Lara Stadium, Tarouba, Trinidad

Live Streaming & Telecast Details

India
Platform: FanCode (App & Website)
Coverage: Exclusive live streaming (no TV telecast)

Pakistan
Platform: Tamasha (App & Website)
Coverage: Live streaming for Pakistani viewers

West Indies / Caribbean
TV Broadcast: ESPN

ALSO READ:WI vs PAK Dream11 Prediction 2nd ODI match Fantasy Cricket Tips, Probable Playing XI

WI vs PAK Probable Playing XIs:

Pakistan Probable Playing XIs

Mohammad Rizwan (c & wk), Salman Agha, Abdullah Shafique, Saim Ayub, Babar Azam, Hasan Nawaz, Hussain Talat, Faheem Ashraf, Shaheen Afridi, Naseem Shah, Sufiyan Muqeem

West Indies Probable Playing XIs

Brandon King, Evin Lewis, Keacy Carty, Shai Hope (c & wk), Sherfane Rutherford, Roston Chase, Romario Shepherd, Gudakesh Motie, Shamar Joseph, Jayden Seales, Jediah Blades

The talk has turned serious: the two current cornerstones of Indian cricket (Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli) may not be in the picture for the 2027 ODI World Cup in South Africa. It has been suggested that the three-match ODI series against Australia (in October this year 2025) could be their last unless they play the domestic Vijay Hazare Trophy to show their form and fitness.

In a world where fans have watched these two potentially carry Indian cricket's batting hopes for more than a decade, the idea is nothing short of earth-shattering. Kohli and Rohit have already said goodbye to T20Is and Tests, assuming we will ever see them in white-ball cricket is a little hard to imagine, it is like imagining a stage play without its lead actors. While it is paramount that young talent is produced and that succession planning is undertaken, there are compelling reasons why Indian cricket should keep the door significantly ajar for these two greats.

1. The Ultimate Big-Tournament Players

World Cups are not just another series; there is nothing bigger in the game. In the years to come, Kohli and Rohit have delivered much more than consistently.

• Rohit Sharma was the top scorer in the 2019 edition with five centuries - you have to qualify anyone in World Cup history, intellectual and real.
• Virat Kohli has held the fort with vital chases almost every ICC tournament since then; his record in knockouts speaks volumes about his mental resolve.

When the pressure cooker is turned on maximum and your allotment for mistakes is zero, these are the people who have continually risen in times of critical action. Sure, the kids may have the skills, but this type of temperament only comes with experience.

2. Age Does Not Equal Decline

In 2027, Rohit will be 40, and Kohli will be 39, ages when athletes in cricket phase into their final stretch. We have also communicated that fitness training and fitness recovery are different beasts today, with the methods available in a constantly changing landscape of recovery. Kohli has changed the narrative when it comes to Indian cricket’s culture of fitness and performance. Kohli has reimagined fitness, exhibiting undeniable endurance and exceptional agility. Rohit, though he has had an injury here and there, remains a sharp cricketer in the field of play and runs between the wickets.

Presently, many greats in the game have been playing at the world-class level into their late thirties and early forties all around the globe. At forty, Misbah-ul-Haq led Pakistan to a World Cup semi-final, and Chris Gayle was playing T20 World Cups at forty-two. It should be on form and fitness, and not a calendar birth date.

3. Their ODI Fortress is Still Unassailable

These two players are not just veterans; they are still among the top players in the format:

• Virat Kohli 302 matches, 14,181 runs, average 57.88, 51 hundreds.
• Rohit Sharma 273 matches, 11,168 runs, average 48.76, 32 hundreds, and the only player in history with three ODI double hundreds.

These are not the numbers of two players living on past reputations - these numbers are active evidence of world-class contribution. 

ALSO SEE: Four shortest ODIs to be played between two full member nations in the 21st century (in terms of balls)

4. Leadership and Mentorship

Even if the management is looking to bring in some new leadership for Shubman Gill or another new captain, taking Rohit and Kohli along to the squad for 2027 could be a huge benefit. They could help mentor the developing batters, particularly in the higher-pressure phases of the tournament. They could provide feedback for tactical decisions.

The combination of youthful exuberance and experienced calm normally wins tournaments; it's the combination that has seen India win the T20 World Cup in 2007 and the ODI World Cup in 2011.

5. Transition is Easiest When it is Ongoing

Cricketing transitions are the most effective when done with care. The evolution from Sachin-Dravid-Ganguly-Laxman to Dhoni-Kohli-Rohit did not occur spontaneously. The senior players remained long enough for the next generation to step in while still being able to provide on-field support.

Elimination of Rohit and Kohli at the same time would create a leadership void and not allow younger players to take advantage of learning from two of the best limited-overs batters in history.

6. The 2027 World Cup Will be in South Africa

South African conditions typically require experience and adaptability; the pitches can be problematic with decent pace and seaming movement. If we factor in Rohit's security in Australian and South African conditions, along with Kohli's phenomenal overall overseas batting aggregate, India has an intrinsic advantage in terms of overcoming challenges. The proven ability to adapt is likely to be the defining competence in close-fought contests.

No one can say Indian cricket lacks young batting talent: Shubman Gill, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Rinku Singh, and so on, but let’s be clear: we are not looking to the 2027 World Cup for an investment in the future. We are looking to win in the present, when the tournament arrives.

If Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli are still fit, motivated, and making runs, they have to be in that squad. Leaving them out simply for the sake of transition can be reckless and ultimately costly in terms of whether India is successful in winning the trophy. Great players can produce moments that change the game under extreme pressure.

A world of difference exists between people seeing Kohli punching the air after a winning cover drive, and Rohit raising the bat again for another century, compared to just being beautiful memories. They are much more defined as to why they should be on that biggest stage, one last time.

In an era that has been heavily dominated by the batters, very seldom do we see the bowlers unleash hell, especially in the white-ball format. Viewers want to be thoroughly entertained and turn up in large numbers in anticipation of a high-scoring thriller. But at times, their aspirations get quashed when they see the in-form batters implode without offering a fight. And when that happens, the game gets wrapped up far too quickly, even before someone even tries to take notice of it. 

While most of these games are won mostly in a one-sided manner, we bring you the four shortest ODI fixtures that have been played between two member nations since the start of the 21st century. Interestingly, Sri Lanka have had a role to play in all four ODI fixtures as we are about to find out.

See also: Four shortest Tests played in the 21st century (in terms of balls)

Sri Lanka vs Zimbabwe, 2001 – 120 balls

This ODI fixture goes down in the record books as being the shortest ODI ever to be played in the history of the game. This opening game of the LG Abans Triangular Series featured a clash between Sri Lanka and Zimbabwe that lasted a paltry 120 balls in two innings combined. The Zimbabwean batters were all at sea as none of them, apart from Stuart Carlisle (16 off 35), could get to double figures. The Zimbabwean innings folded in less than 90 minutes as Chaminda Vass wreaked havoc by picking 8-19 to derail Zimbabwe for just 38, which at the time was Zimbabwe's lowest Test score. As one could expect, Zimbabwe hardly had a chance with the ball as Sanath Jayasuriya and Marvan Atapattu quickly raced out of the blocks to complete the run chase in only 4.2 overs. 

India vs Sri Lanka, 2023 – 129 balls

The 2023 Asia Cup Final ended in an absolute disaster for the home side as Sri Lanka were annihilated by India. The final was staged at the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo. Mohammed Siraj unleashed sheer carnage at the Lankan batters, who were simply not prepared on that day to face the unprecedented onslaught from the speedster. He ran through the fragile Lankan batting lineup like a raging fire and bagged his career-best ODI figures of 6-21 to sink Sri Lanka for just 50. The Sri Lankan innings only lasted a little over 15 overs, with Kusal Mendis being the top run getter with 17 runs to his name. India did not waste any time with the bat and chased down the target in only 6.1 overs without losing a wicket. The entire ODI game lasted 129 balls, thus making it the second shortest ODI ever and the shortest ODI final by balls bowled.

Sri Lanka vs Canada, 2003 – 140 balls

In the 18th fixture of the 2003 ODI World Cup, Sri Lanka crushed the minnows Canada by nine wickets at Boland Park in Paarl, making it the third shortest ODI with just 140 balls bowled. The underrated Prabath Nissanka had a stellar outing in this game, picking up 4-12 while Vaas also got into the act, accounting for three scalps to obliterate Canada for 36 in 18.4 overs. The Lankan batters hardly broke a sweat as the target was chased down inside the fifth over with more than 270 balls to spare. All in all, the game took less than two hours to get wrapped up. 

Sri Lanka vs Zimbabwe, 2004 – 164 balls

This infamous ODI saw Zimbabwe stoop to a new low as they were bowled out for just 35 runs. In the process, they also bagged the record for scoring the lowest-ever ODI score. The pressure from the Lankan quicks was relentless as the Zimbabwean innings lasted only 18 overs. Chaminda Vaas starred with the ball and picked up four wickets and four maidens in his nine overs. Farvez Maharoof, the man on debut, also returned impressive figures of 3-3 in his three overs, while Dilhara Fernando accounted for the remaining two wickets to sink Zimbabwe for a shambolic total. Zimbabwe, playing with a second-string team at that time, had no answer to the sheer brilliance from the Lankan bowlers, with Dion Ebrahim emerging as the top run scorer with only seven runs to his name. Sri Lanka were in no mood to hang around with the bat and lost just one wicket before getting to their target with Saman Jayantha, staying unbeaten on 28 till the end. 

There is significant speculation about former Indian captain Virat Kohli's retirement from ODI cricket, as the right-handed world-class batter is now active only in this international cricket format. However, a recent Instagram story brings a different story to his international career. 

Virat Kohli has already retired from T20I and Test cricket. Last year, after winning the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2024, where Kohli won the Player of the Match award in the Final, the right-handed batter retired from that international cricket format. Last May, Kohli retired from Test cricket, while the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 was his last Test cricket assignment. 

Indian cricket is now seriously looking to set a strong team for the ICC Men's Cricket World Cup 2027, which South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Namibia will host in October-November 2027. The 36-year-old Kohli will then move towards 39 years, which makes his ODI future doubtful. Meanwhile, India will play their next ODI in October, when they will tour Australia for the white-ball series. As there is still a significant gap before India's next ODI fixture, Kohli's ODI future isn't confident enough.

WATCH: PM Narendra Modi wishes Namibia to successfully host ICC World Cup 2027

Virat Kohli had a training session

However, on Friday (August 8), Kohli shared an Instagram story where he put a picture from his training session in London. It seemed like an indoor net session, where Kohli was working with Gujarat Titans' assistant coach Naeem Amin. In his story, Kohli also wrote, "Thanks for helping out with the hit, brother. Always lovely to see you." Is it a big hint of former Indian skipper Kohli preparing for his ODI comeback?

India's upcoming ODI series

Talking about India's present ODI schedules, after playing a three-match ODI series in Australia in October, India will host three-match ODI series against South Africa and New Zealand in November-December 2025 and January 2026, respectively. These are likely to begin India's new era of ODI cricket, eyeing the ICC Men's Cricket World Cup 2027. 

It's all set at the Brian Lara Stadium, the West Indies facing Pakistan in the first match of the three-ODI series on Friday, August 8. The home team would surely love to bounce back from the narrow 2-1 T20I defeat and secure a home win in front of its own fans. Pakistan comes fresh off its T20I victories between the two teams and will look to be back-to-back winners. With the return of Babar Azam and the captain Mohammad Rizwan to add firepower to the lineup, Pakistan will view the first ODI as essential preparation for the Asia Cup.

Match Overview

• Match: Pakistan vs West Indies, 1st ODI 2025
• Date: Friday, 8 August 2025
• Venue: Brian Lara Stadium
• Time:
• India (IST) – 11:30 PM
• Pakistan (PKT) – 11:00 PM

Live Streaming & Telecast Details

India
Platform: FanCode (App & Website)
Coverage: Exclusive live streaming (no TV telecast)

Pakistan
Platform: Tamasha (App & Website)
Coverage: Live streaming for Pakistani viewers

West Indies / Caribbean
TV Broadcast: ESPN

ALSO READ:Andhra T20 League 2025: KNK vs AMR Prediction– 1st Match, Who will win today?

Predicted playing xi
West Indies predicted XI: Brandon King, Jewel Andrew (wk), Shai Hope (c), Roston Chase, Justin Greaves, Matthew Forde, Romario Shepherd, Akeal Hosein, Gudakesh Motie, Shamar Joseph, Jediah Blades.

Pakistan predicted XI: Saim Ayub, Abdullah Shafique, Mohammad Rizwan (c/wk), Babar Azam, Hasan Nawaz, Mohammad Nawaz, Shaheen Afridi, Faheem Ashraf, Naseem Shah, Hasan Ali, Sufiyan Muqeem.

Cricket West Indies (CWI) has unveiled a 15-member squad for the upcoming three-match ODI series against Pakistan, set to be played at the Brian Lara Cricket Academy in Trinidad on August 8, 10, and 12. The series forms the final leg of the “Full Ah Energy” home season and is a key step in the team’s preparation for the 2027 ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup.

Led by Shai Hope, the squad continues to feature the core group that delivered recent series wins against England and Bangladesh at home and showed promise during the UK tour earlier this year.

Notably, Romario Shepherd returns to the side after missing recent matches due to workload management. His inclusion adds all-around depth to a side already brimming with youthful talent. Also retaining their places are 18-year-old Jewel Andrew, promising left-arm quick Jediah Blades, and Amir Jangoo, who scored a century on ODI debut against Bangladesh.

West Indies ODI Squad

Shai Hope (Captain), Jewel Andrew, Jediah Blades, Keacy Carty, Roston Chase, Matthew Forde, Justin Greaves, Amir Jangoo, Shamar Joseph, Brandon King, Evin Lewis, Gudakesh Motie, Sherfane Rutherford, Jayden Seales, Romario Shepherd

ALSO SEE: "I Was Never the Villain": Oval Curator Breaks Silence on Gambhir Controversy After ENG vs IND 5th Test Drama

Match Schedule – WI vs Pakistan ODIs

In August of 2025, the South African men's cricket team will be touring Australia for a white-ball series featuring three T20Is and three ODIs to make this a rare white-ball international cricket tour during the South African winter. The tour will be a critical preparation for both teams for the 2026 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup to be hosted in India and Sri Lanka in early 2026.

Match Schedule

Squads

Australia Squads

T20I Squad: Mitchell Marsh (c), Sean Abbott, Tim David, Ben Dwarshuis, Nathan Ellis, Cameron Green, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Matt Kuhnemann, Glenn Maxwell, Mitchell Owen, Matthew Short, Adam Zampa

ODI Squad: Mitchell Marsh (c), Xavier Bartlett, Alex Carey, Ben Dwarshuis, Nathan Ellis, Cameron Green, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Marnus Labuschagne, Lance Morris, Mitchell Owen, Matthew Short, Adam Zampa

ALSO SEE: PCB lands out big statement amid rumored rift between key Pakistan players

South Africa Squads

T20I Squad: Aiden Markram (c), Corbin Bosch, Dewald Brevis, Nandre Burger, George Linde, Kwena Maphaka, Senuran Muthusamy, Lungi Ngidi, Nqaba Peter, Lhuan-dre Pretorius, Kagiso Rabada, Ryan Rickelton, Tristan Stubbs, Prenelan Subrayen, Rassie van der Dussen

ODI Squad: Temba Bavuma (c), Corbin Bosch, Matthew Breetzke, Dewald Brevis, Nandre Burger, Tony de Zorzi, Aiden Markram, Senuran Muthusamy, Keshav Maharaj, Wiaan Mulder, Lungi Ngidi, Lhuan-dre Pretorius, Kagiso Rabada, Ryan Rickelton, Tristan Stubbs, Prenelan Subrayen

Where to Watch

• Live TV: Foxtel
• Streaming: Kayo Sports
• Radio: ABC Sport
• Online: Live updates and highlights on Cricket.com.au and the CA Live App

The T20I leg should be an exciting series where both Australia and South Africa work through their combinations for the World Cup. With Cummins and Starc not in the side now is the opportunity for Owen, Ellis, and Dwarshuis. South Africa is using the series to build experience for Dewald Brevis and Kwena Maphaka. Unusual venues like Darwin and Cairns add an element of fun to the series, and there will be plenty of local action and excitement as both teams prepare for global glory in 2026.

India Women edged past England Women by 13 runs in a nail-biting finish to win the third and final ODI at Riverside Ground, Chester-le-Street, and clinch the series 2-1. Skipper Harmanpreet Kaur produced a captain’s knock, scoring a magnificent 102 off 84 balls, while young spinner Kranti Goud dismantled England’s chase with an outstanding six-wicket haul.

India Women Innings: 318/5 in 50 Overs

India opted to bat first after Harmanpreet won the toss. Openers Pratika Rawal (26 off 33) and Smriti Mandhana (45 off 54) got India off to a steady start. After their dismissals, Harleen Deol added another 45 runs off 65 balls. The innings picked up pace once Harmanpreet walked in at No. 4. She hit 14 fours and held the innings together with dominance. Harmanpreet put together a decisive 110-run partnership with Jemimah Rodrigues, who marked her 50th ODI with 50 runs off 45 balls, with 7 boundaries. Richa Ghosh (38* off 18) played a scintillating cameo towards the end, ably assisted by Radha Yadav (2*), as India racked up an intimidating 318/5 in 50 overs.

All five English bowlers—Lauren Bell, Lauren Filer, Charlie Dean, Sophie Ecclestone, and Linsey Smith—got a single wicket each, but none were able to stop the run flow.

England Women Innings: 305/10 in 49.5 Overs

In response, England got off to a disastrous start, losing both openers—Tammy Beaumont (2) and Amy Jones (4)—to Kranti Goud within the first three overs. However, Emma Lamb (68 off 81) and Nat Sciver-Brunt (98 off 105) steadied the innings with a 102-run third-wicket stand. Sciver-Brunt, who struck 11 fours, was just short of her century, being dismissed by Deepti Sharma. Sophia Dunkley (34), Alice Davidson-Richards (44 from 34), and Charlotte Dean (21) kept the charge going, but steady Indian breakthroughs meant the flow never quite shifted in England's favor.

Kranti Goud was the star with the ball, taking 6 wickets for 52 runs from 9.5 overs—her personal best career figures. Deepti Sharma and Shree Charani each took one wicket, while Radha Yadav and Jemimah Rodrigues contributed as well. England were bowled out for 305 in 49.5 overs, 14 runs short of the target.

ENG W vs IND W, 3rd ODI: Key Moments

• Harmanpreet Kaur's 102 (84) with 14 boundaries.
  
• Jemimah Rodrigues played her 50th ODI with a half-century.
  
• Richa Ghosh's late appearance (38* off 18) took India to 318/5.
  
• Kranti Goud's match-winning spell of 6/52 was the game's best performance.
  
• England was short by 13 runs even as Sciver-Brunt achieved a near century (98 off 105).

India showcased strong all-around cricket with leadership from their captain and brilliance from young talents like Kranti Goud. With this win, the Women in Blue sealed the ODI series 2-1, ending their England tour on a high.

ENG W vs IND W, 3rd ODI: Summary

India Women Innings

England Women Innings