The ICC Women's World Cup 2025 is finally here and India has reason to be excited and impatient both. The first match for Team India is against Sri Lanka - a fixture that looks straightforward on paper but carries plenty of meaning off the field. This preview explains why Sri Lanka is the opening opponent, what to expect from India, and the key schedule highlights every fan must know.
A power packed #TeamIndia squad for the ICC Women's Cricket World Cup 2025 ЁЯТк
Harmanpreet Kaur to lead the 15 member squad ЁЯЩМЁЯЩМ#WomenInBlue | #CWC25 pic.twitter.com/WPXA3AoKOR
— BCCI Women (@BCCIWomen) August 19, 2025
A power packed #TeamIndia squad for the ICC Women's Cricket World Cup 2025 ЁЯТк
Harmanpreet Kaur to lead the 15 member squad ЁЯЩМЁЯЩМ#WomenInBlue | #CWC25 pic.twitter.com/WPXA3AoKOR
Why India opens the tournament against Sri Lanka
There are three simple reasons why India vs Sri Lanka became the curtain-raiser. First, this World Cup is co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka, so starting with a match that involves both hosts is a neat way to welcome fans in both countries. Second, geopolitics still shapes cricket. India and Pakistan fixtures are sensitive and often scheduled at neutral venues or later in the tournament to avoid security and political complications. Third, an India vs Sri Lanka opener gives India a balanced early test - Sri Lanka is competitive and hungry, not an easy warm-up but not a nightmare either.
India's squad - mix of experience and firepower
Team India arrives with a blend of tested stars and match-winners. Key names to watch:
- Harmanpreet Kaur
- Smriti Mandhana
- Renuka Thakur
- Deepti Sharma
- Young bench**
Real expectations - hope with healthy scepticism
Indian fans are optimistic. Winning at home is the dream. But the honest view is this - fitness, depth and handling pressure in knockout games will decide how far India go. Australia and England remain heavyweights. India must avoid overconfidence and use home conditions wisely.
Key fixtures and schedule highlights
Below are the main matches and dates fans should mark on their calendars. Times are local IST unless stated otherwise. Replace with official fixtures from ICC or your preferred source for live updates.
| Date | Match | Venue | Time (IST) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 30 Sep 2025 | India Women vs Sri Lanka Women | Barsapara Cricket Stadium, Guwahati | 15:00 |
| 01 Oct 2025 | Australia Women vs New Zealand Women | Holkar Stadium, Indore | 15:00 |
| 02 Oct 2025 | England Women vs West Indies Women | DY Patil Stadium, Navi Mumbai | 15:00 |
| 04 Oct 2025 | India Women vs South Africa Women | ACA-VDCA Stadium, Visakhapatnam | 15:00 |
| 06 Oct 2025 | India Women vs Pakistan Women | R. Premadasa Stadium, Colombo | 14:30 |
Note - the tournament features 8 teams, a round-robin format followed by knockouts, and a total of 31 matches. Check ICC or trusted cricket sites for live updates, squad changes and weather-related revisions.
Why this World Cup matters for Indian women's cricket
This is more than a trophy hunt. For Indian women's cricket the World Cup at home is a chance to convert fan interest into lasting support - better contracts, stronger domestic leagues and improved training facilities. The players have been delivering; now the system must deliver for them. Winning would fast-track respect and investment. Falling short will be painful but can still force necessary reforms if administrators take notice.
What fans should do
- Back the team loudly - home crowds matter in World Cups.
- Buy official tickets and merchandise to support the system financially.
- Demand better infrastructure - this is the best moment to push for it.
In short, India vs Sri Lanka is the reasonable, meaningful opener that sets the tone. For fans this World Cup is an invitation - cheer hard now, and then hold administrators accountable later. If India lifts the cup at the end, it will be a cricketing party the country will remember for generations.
