The International Cricket Council has unveiled the complete list of 14 venues that will host matches during the 2025 Cricket World Cup, marking a historic return of major ICC tournament cricket to Pakistan after nearly three decades. The tournament, scheduled for February and March 2025, will be jointly hosted by India, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka, representing the first ICC event in Pakistan since the 1996 World Cup.
The venue selection process involved extensive evaluation of stadium infrastructure, accommodation facilities, transportation links, and security arrangements across the three host nations. ICC officials conducted multiple inspection tours over the past eighteen months to assess the readiness of each proposed venue. The final list includes a mix of iconic cricket grounds and newly renovated facilities that meet international standards for hosting World Cup matches.
In India, the tournament will utilize seven venues including the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, which boasts a capacity of 132,000 spectators and is expected to host the tournament final. Other Indian venues include the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai, M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bangalore, M.A. Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai, Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi, Eden Gardens in Kolkata, and the newly renovated Greenfield International Stadium in Thiruvananthapuram. Each stadium has undergone significant upgrades to practice facilities, media centers, and player amenities to meet ICC requirements for World Cup venues.
Pakistan will host matches at three venues: Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore, National Stadium in Karachi, and Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium. The inclusion of Pakistani venues represents a major milestone in the country’s efforts to bring back international cricket after security concerns had limited major tournament hosting since 2009. The Pakistan Cricket Board has invested approximately $25 million in stadium upgrades, including the installation of modern floodlights, digital scoreboards, and enhanced security infrastructure.
Sri Lanka will contribute four venues to the tournament: R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo, Pallekele International Cricket Stadium in Kandy, Mahinda Rajapaksa International Cricket Stadium in Hambantota, and the newly constructed Colombo International Cricket Stadium. The island nation has focused on improving transportation links and hospitality infrastructure to accommodate the expected influx of international visitors during the tournament.
The distribution of matches among the three host nations has been carefully negotiated to ensure balanced representation while considering logistical practicalities. India, as the largest cricketing nation in terms of infrastructure and audience capacity, will host the majority of matches including the knockout stages. The tournament schedule is designed to minimize travel for teams while maximizing exposure across different regions of the subcontinent.
Security arrangements have been a primary consideration in venue selection, with each host nation implementing comprehensive safety plans coordinated through the ICC’s security directorate. The multi-national nature of the tournament requires unprecedented cooperation between the security agencies of India, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka, with the ICC establishing a dedicated security coordination committee comprising representatives from all three countries.
Tournament organizers have emphasized the importance of creating a memorable experience for players and spectators alike. Each venue will feature enhanced fan zones, improved seating comfort, and state-of-the-art broadcasting facilities. The ICC has also mandated that all venues implement sustainable practices including water conservation measures, waste management systems, and energy-efficient operations.
The economic impact of the tournament is expected to be substantial, with estimates suggesting combined revenue generation of approximately $500 million across the three host nations. Local businesses in host cities are preparing for increased tourism, while cricket boards anticipate significant returns from ticket sales, broadcasting rights, and sponsorship agreements.
Ticket sales are scheduled to begin in June 2024 through an online portal that will serve all three host countries. The ICC has implemented a phased ticket release system to ensure fair access for fans from all participating nations. Special accommodation packages are being developed in partnership with hotel chains across host cities to provide affordable options for international visitors.
The 2025 Cricket World Cup venue announcement marks the culmination of three years of planning and negotiation between the cricket boards of India, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka. The successful coordination of this tri-nation hosting arrangement is seen as a testament to cricket’s power to bridge political differences and create sporting opportunities that transcend national boundaries. With fourteen world-class venues now confirmed, the stage is set for what promises to be one of the most memorable Cricket World Cups in the tournament’s rich history.
