Wankhede not to stage ICC Women's WC; Pakistan matches shifted to Cuttack

The venues of the 10th ICC Women’s World Cup cricket tournament have been reshuffled, with the Wankhede Stadium and MIG Club Ground in Mumbai not hosting any matches. As per the original itinerary, the marquee event was scheduled to be held in four venues in Mumbai – Wankhede Stadium, MIG  Club Ground, Brabourne Stadium and Bandra-Kurla Complex Ground.

File Photo: A general view of the Wankhede stadium

The mega-event is scheduled to be held from January 31 to February 17.

Hosts India eves were slated to take on West Indies in the tournament opener at the Wankhede Stadium on January 31, but the BCCI was forced to alter the venue as it is staging the Mumbai-Saurashtra Ranji Trophy final from January 26-31.

According to BCCI sources, all Group A matches featuring England, India, West Indies and Sri Lanka will now be played at the Brabourne Stadium and MCA’s Bandra-Kurla Complex Ground.

Meanwhile, in a significant development, all Group B matches featuring Pakistan, South Africa, Australia and New Zealand would be held at Cuttack in Odisha. The group B matches would be held at the Barabati Stadium and DRIEMS Stadium in Tangi (on the outskits of Cuttack).

However, the World Cup final will be held at the Cricket Club of India’s (CCI) Brabourne Stadium on February 17.

Australia have won the World Cup on most occasions – five times. England have laid their hands on the winning trophy thrice, while New Zealand have won it once. England won the last World Cup beating New Zealand in the final at Sydney.

This is the third time that India is hosting the Women’s World Cup. India earlier staged the 2nd and sixth editions in 1978 and 1997 – Australia were the champions on both occasions.

India’s best showing in the World Cup has been a runners-up finish in the 2005 World Cup in South Africa – India lost to Australia in the summit clash.

Indian eves would be led by top-order batswoman Mithali Raj, who would be making her third appearance.