Explained: Women’s Indoor Cricket World Cup – Format, Categories, Past Champions

The 12th edition of the Indoor Cricket World Cup will take place in Colombo, Sri Lanka, from September 27 to October 5, 2025. Organised by the World Indoor Cricket Federation (WICF), this event gathers the world’s top indoor cricket nations for a week of fast-paced, high-intensity matches.

The 2025 tournament is set to be a milestone, not only for the sport but especially for the women’s game, which continues to gain momentum and recognition on the global stage.

Explained: Women’s Indoor Cricket World Cup – Format, Categories, Past Champions
Explained: Women’s Indoor Cricket World Cup – Format, Categories, Past Champions

History of the Indoor Cricket World Cup:

Inception and Growth

Indoor cricket emerged in Australia in the 1980s as a way for players to stay active during the off-season. The first Indoor Cricket World Cup was held in Birmingham, England, in 1995, quickly establishing itself as the premier international event for the sport. Since then, the World Cup has been hosted approximately every three years, with venues spanning Australia, South Africa, England, and the United Arab Emirates.

Expansion of the Women’s Game

From the outset, the World Cup included a Women’s Open division, providing a vital platform for female athletes. Over the years, the tournament has expanded to feature multiple divisions, including juniors and masters, reflecting the sport’s growing reach and inclusivity. The women’s edition, in particular, has been instrumental in driving participation and interest in indoor cricket among girls and women worldwide.

Australian Dominance

Australia has been the gold standard in both the Men’s and Women’s Open divisions, winning every title since the tournament’s inception. However, nations like New Zealand and South Africa have consistently challenged Australia’s supremacy, making for thrilling finals and raising the competitive bar. South Africa has been the runner-up 7 times, and New Zealand have done it three times so far.

The Sport: What Makes Indoor Cricket Unique?

Court and Format: Played on a netted court (28–30 meters long, 10–12 meters wide), indoor cricket is a condensed, dynamic version of the outdoor game.

Also Read:  Rachael Haynes says the Tri-Series ahead of the World Cup 2020 maximises their chances in the ICC event

Team Size: Matches feature teams of six or eight players, with six or eight-ball overs.

Continuous Action: The ball remains live off the nets, ensuring non-stop play and quick reflexes.

Scoring System: Dismissals result in a deduction of runs, adding a tactical layer to the game.

Categories: Competitions are held for Men’s, Women’s, mixed teams, juniors, and masters, with the Women’s Open division being a highlight of each World Cup.

2025 Indoor Cricket World Cup: Key Details:

Host Nation: Sri Lanka (second time hosting, after 2004)

Venues: Austasia Sports Complex, and U Pro Arena, Thalawathugoda (newly constructed)

Participating Nations: Nine international teams are confirmed for the Women’s Open division: Australia (defending champions), New Zealand, South Africa, India, England, United Arab Emirates (UAE), Singapore, United States of America (USA), and Sri Lanka (hosts)

Tournament Categories:

Men’s Open, Women’s Open, Under-22 Boys, and Under-22 Girls.

Format:

  • Group Stage: Round-robin matches within each division.
  • Knockouts: Top teams advance to the semi-finals and finals.
  • Championships: Grand finals determine the world champions in each category.

Significance and Impact of the Women’s Edition

The Women’s World Cup holds immense significance for the global indoor cricket community, serving as a premier platform for elite female athletes to display their skills on an international stage. Its growing reach and visibility have inspired increased participation and investment in women’s indoor cricket across the world.

Extensive media coverage and international streaming of the women’s matches are expected to introduce the sport to new audiences, further elevating the profile of female players and bringing their achievements into the spotlight.

The tournament’s inclusive structure has proven instrumental in encouraging more girls and women to take up the sport, helping to foster a new generation of indoor cricket stars. Beyond the playing field, hosting the World Cup also brings substantial benefits to the host nation, enhancing Sri Lanka’s reputation as a premier destination for international sports events and providing a significant boost to the local economy.

Also Read:  ICC Women's World Cup Qualifier 2025 Team of the Tournament Revealed

Past Champions: A Look at History:

YEAR HOST WOMEN’S WINNER EDITIONS
1995 England Australia Inaugural tournament
2009 Australia Australia First unified event
2011 South Africa Australia 10th edition
2022 Australia Australia 11th edition
2025 Sri Lanka TBD 12th edition

Historical Highlights:

Australia’s dominance in the Women’s Open division has been nothing short of remarkable, with the team maintaining an unbroken winning streak in every World Cup final since 1995. This consistent excellence has set a high benchmark for the competition and inspired other nations to elevate their standards.

Over the years, the tournament has witnessed a steady rise in the number of participating teams and divisions, reflecting the sport’s expanding international presence and growing appeal among women and girls. The innovative rules and the unique netted environment of indoor cricket contribute to high-scoring, fast-paced matches, making the Women’s World Cup a dynamic and thrilling spectacle that stands apart from its outdoor counterpart.

The 2025 Indoor Cricket World Cup in Sri Lanka promises to be a landmark event, especially for the women’s game. With a rich history, an innovative format, and a growing global following, the tournament stands as the pinnacle of indoor cricket competition. The Women’s Open division, in particular, will be a focal point, showcasing world-class talent, inspiring future generations, and reinforcing the sport’s commitment to gender equity and international camaraderie.

Loves all things female cricket

Liked the story? Leave a comment here

Rare and Unseen Pictures of India’s Shafali Verma See Pictures: Wimbledon to Edgbaston – A Sporting Tour with Shreyanka Patil In Pictures: Dual-Sport Athletes Who Excelled in Cricket
Most Popular Female Cricketers on Instagram List of 10 Brother-Sister pair in Cricket Husband-Wife Pair in Cricket