In a major disappointment for cricket enthusiasts, the Karnataka state government has denied permission to host the upcoming Women’s World Cup 2025 matches at Bengaluru’s M. Chinnaswamy Stadium. Four fixtures, including three league-stage games and a semi-final, were originally scheduled at the venue on September 30, October 3, October 26, and October 30.
Also read: 2025 Women’s cricket World Cup: Bengaluru to host opener and semifinal, dates and venues announced
Matches to be shifted to other locations
The decision means all matches planned in Bengaluru will be relocated to other cities. The tournament’s opening ceremony, which was also set for the Chinnaswamy Stadium, will now take place elsewhere.
According to sources, the refusal stems from the ongoing investigation into the tragic stampede incident during Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s (RCB) IPL victory celebrations on June 4. The event, held at the same stadium, turned fatal when a crowd surge caused chaos, leaving 11 fans dead. The state government has alleged lapses in crowd management and held RCB partially responsible for the tragedy.
Citing safety concerns and the unresolved case, the government decided not to authorize large-scale public events at the stadium for now. This decision follows a similar move earlier this year, when permission for the KSCA Maharaj T20 Trophy matches at the venue was also denied.
The Women’s World Cup, featuring top cricketing nations, is set to begin on September 30. With Bengaluru out of the schedule, organizers are expected to announce revised venues and fixtures soon, reshaping the tournament’s original plan.