DUBAI – West Indies will open against India in the International Cricket Council (ICC) Women’s World Cup at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai on January 31.
The Caribbean cricketers will also play against Sri Lanka on February 4, and holders England on February 6 in Group A preliminary matches. Australia, New Zealand, Pakistan and South Africa make up the other group.
The top eight women’s sides in the world will battle it out to be crowned champions of the 50-overs tournament.
The teams have been divided into two groups of four, with the top three progressing into the Super Sixes stage.
“This will be the third time that India has staged the Women’s World Cup but this could be by far the most significant,” said ICC president Alan Isaac.
“I feel that we are on the verge of a massive sea change in the women’s game and where better for that to take place than in the great city of Mumbai.”
The ICC’s official broadcast partner Star Cricket will broadcast 10 of the 25 matches in high definition.
“We are delighted to be hosting the ICC Women’s World Cup and hope all the teams are looking forward to taking part in an exciting tournament here in India,” said tournament director Suru Nayak.
“The tournament will be played in Mumbai . . . which holds a special place in the history of the sport. The world’s leading female cricketers will display their skills on grounds where some of the greatest cricketers of all time have practically grown up.” (CMC)
